made himself very friendly with Thorvald and Gudrun, and stayed with them for long times together, and there was much talk of the love of Thord and Gudrun for each other.  Once upon a time Gudrun bade Thorvald buy a gift for her, and Thorvald said she showed no moderation in her demands, and gave her a box on the ear.  Then said Gudrun, “Now you have given me that which we women set great store by having to perfection—­a fine colour in the cheeks—­and thereby have also taught me how to leave off importuning you.”  That same evening Thord came there.  Gudrun told him about the shameful mishandling, and asked him how she should repay it.  Thord smiled, and said:  “I know a very good counsel for this:  make him a shirt with such a large neck-hole that you may have a good excuse for separating from him, because he has a low neck like a woman.”  Gudrun said nothing against this, and they dropped their talk.  That same spring Gudrun separated herself from Thorvald, and she went home to Laugar.  After that the money was divided between Gudrun and Thorvald, and she had half of all the wealth, which now was even greater than before (her marriage).  They had lived two winters together.  That same spring Ingun sold her land in Crookfirth, the estate which was afterwards called Ingunstead, and went west to Skalmness.  Glum Gierison had formerly had her for wife, as has been before written.  At that time Hallstein the Priest lived at Hallsteinness, on the west side of Codfirth.  He was a mighty man, but middling well off as regards friends.

CHAP.  XXXV

Gudrun’s Second Marriage, A.D. 991

[Sidenote:  Kotkell the wizard] Kotkell was the name of a man who had only come to Iceland a short time before, Grima was the name of his wife.  Their sons were Hallbjorn Whetstone-eye, and Stigandi.  These people were natives of Sodor.  They were all wizards and the greatest of enchanters.  Hallstein Godi took them in and settled them down at Urdir in Skalm-firth, and their dwelling there was none of the best liked.  That summer Gest went to the Thing and went in a ship to Saurby as he was wont.  He stayed as guest at Hol in Saurby.  The brothers-in-law found him in horses as was their former wont.  Thord Ingunson was amongst the followers of Gest on this journey and came to Laugar in Salingsdale.  Gudrun Osvif’s daughter rode to the Thing, and Thord Ingunson rode with her.  It happened one day as they were riding over Blueshaw-heath, the weather being fine, that Gudrun said, “Is it true, Thord, that your wife Aud always goes about in breeches with gores in the seat, winding swathings round her legs almost to her feet?” Thord said, “He had not noticed that.”  “Well, then, there must be but little in the tale,” said Gudrun, “if you have not found it out, but for what then is she called Breeches And?” Thord said, “I think she has been called so for but a short time.”  Gudrun answered, “What is of more moment to her is that she bear the name for