"Nay," he said, "I don't ask impossibilities of you. But I have love enough in my heart for the two of us. Do you trust me?"
"Yes," she said, "I do trust you."
"Why then," said Karlsefne, "will you give yourself to me?"
She thought. "You shall ask Eric if he is willing," she told him. "He loves me, and he is an old man. Since my father died he has been father to me. I have had nothing but love and kindness from him and his family. I will not leave him now, if he needs me—for he knows, and I know, that if I leave him again it will be for the last time."
Karlsefne drew near her and put his arm about her. "I will ask him—but if he agrees you will come?" She smiled and nodded her head. Then, "Will you kiss me?" he said.
"Is that in the bargain?"
He drew her close to him. "Oh, Gudrid, kiss me once. I'm on fire."
So then she kissed him.
Eric looked rather chap-fallen. "You are asking me for the jewel on my breast," he said.
"That I know very well," said Karlsefne.
"She is not only a fair woman, but a wise and good woman. She is sweet-mannered, and sweet-natured. The soothsay about her is that she will rear a great race."