"Lay down the terms of the match," answered Thorwald, "for I will not let her temper stand in the way of our bargain."
Then they talked over the terms of the bargain, and Hauskuld never asked his daughter what she thought of it, for his heart was set on giving her away and so they came to an understanding as to the terms of the match. After that Thorwald betrothed himself to Hallgerda, and rode away home when the matter was settled.
ENDNOTES:
(1) That is, he came from what we call the Western Isles or Hebrides. The old appellation still lingers in "Sodor (i.e. the South Isles) and Man."
10. HALLGERDA'S WEDDING
Hauskuld told Hallgerda of the bargain he had made, and she said, "Now that has been put to the proof which I have all along been afraid of, that thou lovest me not so much as thou art always saying, when thou hast not thought it worth while to tell me a word of all this matter. Besides, I do not think this match so good a one as thou hast always promised me."
So she went on, and let them know in every way that she thought she was thrown away.
Then Hauskuld said, "I do not set so much store by thy pride as to let it stand in the way of my bargains; and my will, not thine, shall carry the day if we fall out on any point."
"The pride of all you kinsfolk is great," she said, "and so it is not wonderful if I have some of it."
With that she went away, and found her foster-father Thiostolf, and told him what was in store for her, and was very heavy- hearted. Then Thiostolf said, "Be of good cheer, for thou wilt be married a second time, and then they will ask thee what thou thinkest of the match; for I will do in all things as thou wishest, except in what touches thy father or Hrut."