XXX: HOW THE DAWN CAMEThe dawn broke over Middalhof. Slowly the light gathered in the empty hall, it crept slowly into the little chamber where Eric slept, and Gudruda slept also with a deeper sleep.
Now the two women came from their chamber at the far end of the hall, and drew near the hearth, shivering, for the air was cold. They knelt by the fire, blowing at the embers till the sticks they cast upon them crackled to a blaze.
"It seems that Gudruda is not yet gone," said one to the other. "I thought she should ride away with Eric before the dawn."
"Newly wed lie long abed!" laughed the other.
"I am glad to see the blessed light," said the first woman, "for last night I dreamed that once again this hall ran red with blood, as at the marriage-feast of Ospakar."
"Ah," answered the othe
