“I too have had a child since we last met,” she said; and added after a pause, “and lost it.”
Tears rose to her eyes. And just at that moment Ketill came up.
“What—crying?” he said, putting his arm round her. Alma shivered at his touch.
Ketill lifted the coverings from the child’s face and looked at it. “So this is the little heir,” he said jestingly. “We must have a look.”
Alma also glanced at the child.
“Congratulations, Runa,” said Alma, grasping her sister-in-law’s hand. “And Ormarr”—turning to him—“and you too, dear father-in-law. ’Tis a bonny child they have brought you home. May it bring luck to the house!”
“Ay, we need something to bring luck to the house,” said Ørlygur bitterly.
Alma looked at him, surprised at his tone.
“Oh—you mean you still can’t get hands for the farm work?”
Ørlygur saw that she asked in all innocence.