“’Tis like you will be glad then, when you hear that I have talked with Simon Andressön—and he will not hold me to the pact that was made for us by our fathers before I met you.”
At once Erlend was wild with joy, and Kristin was made to tell him all. Yet she told not of the scornful words Simon had spoken of Erlend, though she said that before Lavrans he would not take the blame upon himself.
“’Tis but reason,” said Erlend shortly. “They like each other well, your father and he? Aye, me he will like less, I trow—Lavrans.”
Kristin took these words as a sign that Erlend felt with her she had still a hard road to travel ere yet they reached their journey’s end; and she was thankful to him for it. But he did not come back to this matter; he was glad above measure, saying he had feared so that she would not have courage to speak with Simon.
“You like him after a fashion, I mark well,” said he.
“Can it be aught to you,” asked Kristin,“—after all that has come and gone between you and me, that I can see that Simon is an honest man and a stout.”
“Had you never met me,” said Erlend, “you might well have had good days with him, Kristin. Why laugh you?”
“Oh, I did but call to mind somewhat Lady Aashild said once,” answered Kristin. “I was but a child then—but ’twas somewhat about good days falling to wise folk, but the best days of all to those who dare be unwise.”
“God bless my kinswoman, if she taught you that,” said Erlend and took her upon his knee. “’Tis strange, Kristin, never have I marked that you were afraid.”
“Have you never marked it?” she asked as she nestled close to him.