Bijorn had indeed set his heart upon retaining this famous young Saxon leader as his slave and cup-bearer, and it was probable that in his interview with the priest before the drawing his inclinations had been clearly shown, for a slight difference between the thickness of the sticks might well have existed and served as an index to the priest in drawing them.
Bijorn, in his gratification at the answer of the god, bestowed a handsome present upon the priest, and then rode back to his abode well content with his journey.

Edmund was at once installed in his new duties.

Hitherto he had not entered the house nor seen the females of the family.

Ulfra, the jarl's wife, was a woman of commanding stature and appearance.

Like most of the northern women she had accompanied her husband in his many wanderings, and shared his dangers and privations.
The wives of the Norsemen occupied a far more exalted position in the households of their lords than did those of the people of southern Europe; they were not only mistresses of the house, but were treated with respect as well as with affection; they were not, as in the south, regarded as puppets for the amusements of an idle hour, but were the companions and advisers of their husbands, occupying a position at least as free and respected as at the present day.
There were two daughters, who both bade fair to resemble their mother in stature and dignity of demeanour, for both were models of female strength and activity.