At my request Steinar went with them, in order that he might see that they were brought back in good time in the morning.
"You will not fail me in this, Steinar ?" I said, clasping his hand.
He tried to answer something, but the words seemed to choke in his throat and he turned away, leaving them unspoken.
"Why," I exclaimed, "one might think you were going to be married, not I." "Aye," broke in Iduna hurriedly.

"The truth is that Steinar is jealous of me.

How is it that you can make us all love you so much, Olaf ?" "Would that I were more worthy of your love," I answered, smiling, "as in years to come I hope to show myself." Athalbrand, who was watching, tugged at his forked beard and muttered something that sounded like an oath.

Then he rode off, kicking his horse savagely and not noting my outstretched hand, or so it seemed.

Of this, however, I took little heed, for I was engaged in kissing Iduna in farewell.
"Be not sad," she said, as she kissed me back on the lips.