driving at; everything we bespoke then is still uppermost in my mind, for indeed I begrudge me not the noblest of matches could it but be brought about.”  Snorri spake, “I am most willing and ready to back that matter up on your behalf, seeing that now we are rid of both the things that seemed to you the most troublesome to overcome, if you were to get Gudrun for wife at all, in that Bolli is revenged and Thorgils is out of the way.”  Thorkell said, “Your counsels go very deep, Snorri, and into this affair I go heart and soul.”  Snorri stayed in the ship several nights, and then they took a ten-oared boat that floated alongside of the merchant ship and got ready with five-and-twenty men, and went to Holyfell.  Gudrun gave an exceeding affectionate welcome to Snorri, and a most goodly cheer they had; and when they had been there one night Snorri called Gudrun to talk to him, and spake, “Matters have come to this, that I have undertaken this journey for my friend Thorkell, Eyjolf’s son, and he has now come here, as you see, and his errand hither is to set forth the wooing of you.  Thorkell is a man of noble degree.  You know yourself all about his race and doings in life, nor is he short of wealth either.  To my mind, he is now the one man west about here who is most likely to become a chieftain, if to that end he will put himself forward.  Thorkell is held in great esteem when he is out there, but by much is he more honoured when he is in Norway in the train of titled men.” [Sidenote:  Gudrun accepts his proposal] Then answers Gudrun:  “My sons Thorleik and Bolli must have most to say in this matter; but you, Snorri, are the third man on whom I shall most rely for counsels in matters by which I set a great store, for you have long been a wholesome guide to me.”  Snorri said he deemed it a clear case that Thorkell must not be turned off.  Thereupon Snorri had the sons of Gudrun called in, and sets forth the matter to them, laying down how great an help Thorkell might afford them by reason of his wealth and wise foresight; and smoothly he framed his speech on this matter.  Then Bolli answered:  “My mother will know how most clearly to see through this matter, and herein I shall be of one mind with her own will.  But, to be sure, we shall deem it wise to set much store by your pleading this matter, Snorri, for you have done to us mightily well in many things.”  Then Gudrun spake:  “In this matter we will lean most on Snorri’s foresight, for to us your counsels have been wholesome.”  Snorri urged the matter on by every word he spoke, and the counsel taken was, that Gudrun and Thorkell should be joined in marriage.  Snorri offered to have the wedding at his house; and Thorkell, liking that well, said:  “I am not short of means, and I am ready to furnish them in whatever measure you please.”  Then Gudrun spake:  “It is my wish that the feast be held here at Holyfell.  I do not blench at standing the cost of it, nor shall I call upon Thorkell or any one else to trouble themselves about this matter.”