Ørlygur rose also.
“Don’t trouble. I’m going home now,” he said. “I shall have to be up early tomorrow.”
The doctor followed him out to his horse, that was loose in the enclosure. Ørlygur saddled up, and took his leave; there was a curious, thoughtful expression on his face. A moment after, he dismounted again, and, handing the reins to the doctor, who was waiting to see him ride off, he went into the kitchen, where a light was burning.
He closed the door after him as he entered, and looked into Bagga’s eyes, that were red and swollen with tears.
“How did you come here?” he asked in a low voice.
“I don’t know,” answered Bagga calmly. “Mother said I was to come. And I would not disobey her.”
“I have told the doctor we are engaged,” he said, in the same low tones.
She nodded, as if agreeing it was the natural thing to do.
Then Ørlygur’s heart was filled with an endless joy, and a proud yet gentle smile lit his face. He opened his arms and drew her to him. For a moment they stood there, held close in each other’s arms. Then Ørlygur looked into her eyes and said:
“I am going up to the top of Borgarfjall, to build a cairn there. And then I shall come and fetch you.”