When Elsalill heard this she turned very pale and said: "Then it must have been an angel from heaven who brought you the message and led you home."
II
Another time Sir Archie sat in Torarin's cabin and talked with
Elsalill.
There was no one beside them; they talked gaily together and were very cheerful.
Sir Archie was telling Elsalill that she must go home with him to Scotland. There he would build her a castle and make her a fine lady. He told her she should have a hundred serving-maids to wait upon her, and she should dance at the court of the King.
Elsalill sat silently listening to every word Sir Archie said to her, and she believed them all. And Sir Archie thought that never had he met a damsel so easy to beguile as Elsalill.
Suddenly Sir Archie ceased speaking and looked down at his left hand.
"What is it, Sir Archie? Why do you say no more?" asked Elsalill.
Sir Archie opened and closed his hand convulsively. He turned it this way and that.
"What is it, Sir Archie?" asked Elsalill. "Does your hand pain you on a sudden?"