XI
Magnus was waiting in the hall, dressed in snow stockings and a long cape overcoat, rough and worn and belted about the waist. His face was stamped with the deep lines which in a strong man stand for resignation and in a weak one for despair. Thora thought she had never seen him look so big and brawny, but his voice when he spoke to her was as soft as a woman's, and he broke into the sunniest of smiles. She closed the door of the sitting-room to shut out the sound of the piano, and then came forward and held out her hand, feeling little and weak in her kirtle and the bridal crown across her forehead.
"I came to say good-by and to wish you a good voyage," he said.
"I'm so glad you've come," said Thora. "I heard you had gone away, and I was afraid I was going to miss you."
"I've brought you this for a wedding present," said Magnus, taking up from the hall table a large white bear's skin which Thora had not noticed before.
"What a magnificent rug!" said Thora.
"Is it a good one?" said Magnus.
"It is perfectly beautiful. I have never seen anything like it. It must have cost you a fortune."
"No, not a great deal. I bought it in the Northlands."
"Then it was to get this that you went there?"