His father, who was reputed never to speak a word until it was called forth by extreme necessity, joined in: "That good wish, I think, Gudmund will be more glad over than any other."
"Yes, of that you may be sure!" said Gudmund. He shook hands with Helga once more, and then they drove on.
Gudmund leaned back in the cart and looked after Helga. When she was hidden from view by a couple of trees, he hastily tore aside the apron of the carriage, as if he wished to jump out.
"Is there anything more you wish to say to Helga?" asked his father.
"No, oh, no!" answered Gudmund and turned round again.
Suddenly Gudmund leaned his head against his father's shoulder and burst out crying.
"What ails you?" asked Erland Erlandsson, drawing in the reins so suddenly that the horse stopped.
"Oh, they are all so good to me and I don't deserve it."
"But you have never done anything wrong, surely?"
"Yes, father, I have."