\"Then，\"saidUndine，\"youspokeunwisely。Forcharitybeginsathome，andwhatdootherpeopleconcernus？\"
Theoldwomanturnedawaysighingandshakingherhead；thefishermanforgothiswontedaffectionfortheprettygirlandscoldedher。
\"Itsoundsexactly，\"saidhe，ashefinishedhisreproof，\"asifTurksandheathenshadbroughtyouup；mayGodforgivebothmeandyou，youspoiledchild。\"
\"Well，\"repliedUndine，\"forallthat，itiswhatIfeel，letwhowillhatebroughtmeup，andallyourwordscan’thelpthat。\"
\"Silence!\"exclaimedthefisherman，andUndine，who，inspiteofherpertness，wasexceedinglyfearful，shrankfromhim，andmovingtremblinglytowardHuldbrand，askedhiminasofttone：\"Areyoualsoangry，dearfriend？\"
Theknightpressedhertenderhandandstrokedherhair。Hecouldsaynothing，forvexationattheoldman’sseveritytowardUndineclosedhislips：andthusthetwocouplessatoppositetoeachother，withangryfeelingsandembarrassedsilence。
CHAPTERVI。
OFANUPTIALCEREMONY。
Alowknockingatthedoorwasheardinthemidstofthisstillness，startlingalltheinmatesofthecottage；fortherearetimeswhenalittlecircumstance，happeningquiteunexpectedly，canundulyalarmus。Buttherewasheretheadditionalcauseofalarmthattheenchantedforestlaysonear，andthatthelittlepromontoryseemedjustnowinaccessibletohumanbeings。Theylookedateachotherdoubtingly，astheknockingwasrepeatedaccompaniedbyadeepgroan，andtheknightsprangtoreachhissword。Buttheoldmanwhisperedsoftly：\"IfitbewhatIfear，noweaponwillhelpus。\"
Undinemeanwhileapproachedthedoorandcalledoutangrilyandboldly：\"Spiritsoftheearth，ifyouwishtocarryonyourmischief，Kuhlebornshallteachyousomethingbetter。\"
Theterroroftherestwasincreasedbythesemysteriouswords；theylookedfearfullyatthegirl，andHuldbrandwasjustregainingcourageenoughtoaskwhatshemeant，whenavoicesaidwithout：\"I
amnospiritoftheearth，butaspiritindeedstillwithinitsearthlybody。Youwithinthecottage，ifyoufearGodandwillhelpme，opentome。\"Atthesewords，Undinehadalreadyopenedthedoor，andhadheldalampoutinthestormynight，bywhichtheyperceivedanagedprieststandingthere，whosteppedbackinterrorattheunexpectedsightofthebeautifulmaiden。Hemightwellthinkthatwitchcraftandmagicwereatworkwhensuchalovelyformappearedatsuchanhumblecottagedoor：hethereforebegantopray：\"AllgoodspiritspraisetheLord!\"
\"Iamnospectre，\"saidUndine，smiling；\"doIthenlooksougly？
Besidesyoumayseetheholywordsdonotfrightenme。ItooknowofGodandunderstandhowtopraiseHim；everyonetobesureinhisownway，forsoHehascreatedus。Comein，venerablefather；youcomeamong，goodpeople。\"
Theholymanentered，bowingandlookingroundhim，withaprofound，yettenderdemeanor。Butthewaterwasdroppingfromeveryfoldofhisdarkgarment，andfromhislongwhitebeardandfromhisgraylocks。Thefishermanandtheknighttookhimtoanotherapartmentandfurnishedhimwithotherclothes，whiletheygatethewomenhisownwetattiretodry。Theagedstrangerthankedthemhumblyandcourteously，buthewouldonnoaccountaccepttheknight’ssplendidmantle，whichwasofferedtohim；buthechoseinsteadanoldgrayovercoatbelongingtothefisherman。Theythenreturnedtotheapartment，andthegoodolddameimmediatelyvacatedhereasy—chairforthereverendfather，andwouldnotresttillhehadtakenpossessionofit。\"For，\"saidshe，\"youareoldandexhausted，andyouaremoreoveramanofGod。\"Undinepushedunderthestranger’sfeetherlittlestool，onwhichshehadbeenwonttositbythesideofHuldbrand，andsheshowedherselfineverywaymostgentleandkindinhercareofthegoodoldman。Huldbrandwhisperedsomerailleryatitinherear，butsherepliedveryseriously：\"HeisaservantofHimwhocreatedusall；holythingsarenottobejestedwith。\"Theknightandthefishermanthenrefreshedtheirreverendguestwithfoodandwine，andwhenhehadsomewhatrecoveredhimself，hebegantorelatehowhehadthedaybeforesetoutfromhiscloister，whichlayfarbeyondthegreatlake，intendingtotraveltothebishop，inordertoacquainthimwiththedistressintowhichthemonasteryanditstributaryvillageshadfallenonaccountoftheextraordinaryfloods。
Afteralong，circuitousroute，whichtheseveryfloodshadobligedhimtotake，hehadbeenthisdaycompelled，towardevening，toprocuretheaidofacoupleofgoodboatmentocrossanarmofthelake，whichhadoverfloweditsbanks。
\"Scarcelyhowever，\"continuedhe，\"hadoursmallcrafttouchedthewaves，thanthatfurioustempestburstforthwhichisnowragingoverourheads。Itseemedasifthewatershadonlywaitedforus，tocommencetheirwildestwhirlingdancewithourlittleboat。Theoarsweresoontornoutofthehandsofmymen，andweredashedbytheforceofthewavesfurtherandfurtherbeyondourreach。Weourselves，yieldingtotheresistlesspowersofnature，helplesslydriftedoverthesurgingbillowsofthelaketowardyourdistantshore，whichwealreadysawloomingthroughthemistandfoam。
Presentlyourboatturnedroundandroundasinagiddywhirlpool；I
knownotwhetheritwasupset，orwhetherIfelloverboard。InavagueterrorofinevitabledeathIdriftedon，tillawavecastmehere，underthetreesonyourisland。\"
\"Yes，island!\"criedthefisherman；\"ashorttimeagoitwasonlyapointofland；butnow，sincetheforest—streamandthelakehavebecomewell—nighbewitched，thingsarequitedifferentwithus。\"
\"Iremarkedsomethingofthesort，\"saidthepriest，\"asIcreptalongtheshoreinthedark，andhearingnothingbuttheuproararoundme。Iatlastperceivedthatabeatenfoot—pathdisappearedjustinthedirectionfromwhichthesoundproceeded。Inowsawthelightinyourcottage，andventuredhither，andIcannotsufficientlythankmyheavenlyFatherthatafterpreservingmefromthewaters，Hehasledmetosuchgoodandpiouspeopleasyouare；
andIfeelthisallthemore，asIdonotknowwhetherIshalleverbeholdanyotherbeingsisthisworld，exceptthoseInowaddress。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"askedthefisherman。
\"Doyouknowthenhowlongthiscommotionoftheelementsistolast？\"repliedtheholyman。\"AndIamoldinyears。Easilyenoughmaythestreamofmyliferunitselfoutbeforetheoverflowingoftheforest—streammaysubside。Andindeeditwerenotimpossiblethatmoreandmoreofthefoamingwatersmayforcetheirwaybetweenyouandyonderforest，untilyouaresofarsunderedfromtherestoftheworldthatyourlittlefishing—boatwillnolongerbesufficienttocarryyouacross，andtheinhabitantsofthecontinentinthemidstoftheirdiversionswillhaveentirelyforgottenyouinyouroldage。\"
Thefisherman’swifestartedatthis，crossedherselfandexclaimed。
\"Godforbid。\"Butherhusbandlookedatherwithasmile，andsaid\"Whatcreaturesweareafterall!evenwereitso，thingswouldnotbeverydifferent——atleastnotforyou，dearwife——thantheynoware。Forhaveyouformanyyearsbeenfurtherthantheedgeoftheforest？andhaveyouseenanyotherhumanbeingsthanUndineandmyself？Theknightandthisholymanhaveonlycometoaslately。
Theywillremainwithusifwedobecomeaforgottenisland；soyouwouldevenbeagainerbyitafterail。\"
\"Idon’tknow，\"saidtheoldwoman；\"itissomehowagloomythought，whenoneimaginesthatoneisirrecoverablyseparatedfromotherpeople，although，wereitotherwise，onemightneitherknownorseethem。\"
\"Thenyouwillremainwithus!thenyouwillremainwithus!\"
whisperedUndine，inalow，half—singingtone，asshenestledclosertoHuldbrand’sside。Buthewasabsorbedinthedeepandstrangevisionsofhisownmind。
Theregionontheothersideoftheforest—riverseemedtodissolveintodistanceduringthepriest’slastwords：andthebloomingislanduponwhichhelivedgrewmoregreen，andsmiledmorefreshlyinhismind’svision。Hisbelovedoneglowedasthefairestroseofthislittlespotofearth，andevenofthewholeworld，andthepriestwasactuallythere。Addedtothis，atthatmomentanangryglancefromtheoldflamewasdirectedatthebeautifulgirl，becauseeveninthepresenceofthereverendfathersheleanedsocloselyontheknight，anditseemedasifatorrentofreprovingwordswereonthepointoffollowing。Presently，turningtothepriest，Huldbrandbrokeforth：\"Venerablefather，youseebeforeyouhereapairpledgedtoeachother：andifthismaidenandthesegoodoldpeoplehavenoobjection，youshalluniteusthisveryevening。\"
Theagedcouplewereextremelysurprised。Theyhad，itistrue，hithertooftenthoughtofsomethingofthesort，buttheyhadneveryetexpressedit，andwhentheknightnowspokethus，itcameuponthemassomethingwhollynewandunprecedented。
Undinehadbecomesuddenlygrave，andlookeddownthoughtfullywhipthepriestinquiredrespectingthecircumstancesofthecase，andaskediftheoldpeoplegavetheirconsent。Aftermuchdiscussiontogether，thematterwassettled；theolddamewenttoarrangethebridalchamberfortheyoungpeople，andtolookouttwoconsecratedtaperswhichshehadhadinherpossessionforsometime，andwhichshethoughtessentialtothenuptialceremony。Theknightinthemeanwhileexaminedhisgoldchain，fromwhichhewishedtodisengagetworings，thathemightmakeanexchangeofthemwithhisbride。
She，however，observingwhathewasdoing，startedupfromherreverie，andexclaimed：\"Notso!myparentshavenotsentmeintotheworldquitedestitute；onthecontrary，theymusthaveanticipatedwithcertaintythatsuchaneveningasthiswouldcome。\"
Thussaving，shequicklylefttheroomandreappearedinamomentwithtwocostlyrings，oneofwhichshegavetoherbridegroom，andkepttheotherforherself。Theoldfishermanwasextremelyastonishedatthis，andstillmoresohiswife，whojustthenentered，forneitherhadeverseenthesejewelsinthechild’spossession。
\"Myparents，\"saidUndine，\"sewedtheselittlethingsintothebeautifulfrockwhichIhadon，whenIcametoyou。Theyforbidme，moreover，tomentionthemtoanyonebeforemyweddingevening，soI
secretlytookthem，andkeptthemconcealeduntilnow。\"
Thepriestinterruptedallfurtherquestioningsbylightingtheconsecratedtapers，whichheplaceduponatable，andsummonedthebridalpairtostandoppositetohim。Hethengavethemtoeachotherwithafewshortsolemnwords；theeldercouplegavetheirblessingtotheyounger，andthebride，tremblingandthoughtful，leanedupontheknight。Thenthepriestsuddenlysaid：\"Youarestrangepeopleafterall。Whydidyoutellmeyouweretheonlypeoplehereontheisland？andduringthewholeceremony，atallstatelyman，inawhitemantle，hasbeenlookingatmethroughthewindowopposite。Hemuststillbestandingbeforethedoor，toseeifyouwillinvitehimtocomeintothehouse。\"
\"Godforbid，\"saidtheolddamewithastart；thefishermanshookhisheadinsilence，andHuldbrandsprangtothewindow。Itseemedeventohimasifhecouldstillseeawhitestreak，butitsooncompletelydisappearedinthedarkness。Heconvincedthepriestthathemusthavebeenabsolutelymistaken，andtheyallsatdowntogetherroundthehearth。
CHAPTERVII。
WHATFURTHERHAPPENEDONTHEEVENINGOFTHEWEDDING。
Bothbeforeandduringtheceremony，Undinehadshownherselfgentleandquiet；butitnowseemedasifallthewaywardhumorswhichriotedwithinher，burstforthallthemoreboldlyandunrestrainedly。Sheteasedherbridegroomandherfoster—parents，andeventheholymanwhomshehadsolatelyreverenced，withallsortsofchildishtricks；andwhentheoldwomanwasabouttoreproveher，shewasquicklysilencedbyafewgravewordsfromtheknight，speakingofUndinenowashiswife。Nevertheless，theknighthimselfwasequallylittlepleasedwithUndine’schildishbehavior：
butnosigns，andnoreproachfulwordswereofanyavail。Itistrue，wheneverthebridenoticedherhusband’sdissatisfaction——andthisoccurredoccasionally——shebecamemorequiet，satdownbyhisside，caressedhim，whisperedsomethingsmilinglyintohisear，andsmoothedthewrinklesthatweregatheringonhisbrow。Butimmediatelyafterward，somewildfreakwouldagainleadhertoreturntoherridiculousproceedings，andmatterswouldbeworsethanbefore。Atlengththepriestsaidinaseriousandkindtone：
\"Myfairyoungmaiden，nooneindeedcanlookatyouwithoutdelight；butremembersotoattuneyoursoulbetimes，thatitmayeverharmonizewiththatofyourweddedhusband。\"
\"Soul!\"saidUndine，laughing；\"thatsoundsprettyenough，andmaybeaveryedifyingandusefulcautionformostpeople。Butwhenonehasn’tasoulatall，Ibegyou，whatistheretoattunethen？andthatismycase。\"Thepriestwassilentanddeeplywounded，andwithholydispleasureheturnedhisfacefromthegirl。She，however，wentuptohimcaressingly，andsaid：\"No!listentomefirst，beforeyoulookangry，foryourlookofangergivesmepain，andyoumustnotgivepaintoanycreaturewhohasdoneyounowrong——onlyhavepatiencewithme，andIwilltellyouproperlywhatImean。\"
Itwasevidentthatshewaspreparingherselftoexplainsomethingindetail，butsuddenlyshehesitated，asifseizedwithaninwardshuddering，andburstoutintoafloodoftears。Theynoneofthemknewwhattomakeofthisebullition，andfilledwithvariousapprehensionstheygazedatherinsilence。Atlength，wipingawayhertears，andlookingearnestlyatthereverendman，shesaid：
\"Theremustbesomethingbeautiful，butatthesametimeextremelyawful，aboutasoul。Tellme，holysir，wereitnotbetterthatweneversharedsuchagift？\"Shewassilentagainasifwaitingforananswer，andhertearshadceasedtoflow。Allinthecottagehadrisenfromtheirseatsandhadsteppedbackfromherwithhorror。
She，however，seemedtohaveeyesfornoonebuttheholyman；herfeaturesworeanexpressionoffearfulcuriosity，whichappearedterribletothosewhosawher。\"Thesoulmustbeaheavyburden，\"
shecontinued，asnooneansweredher，\"veryheavy!forevenitsapproachingimageovershadowsmewithanxietyandsadness。And，ah!
Iwassolight—heartedandsomerrytillnow!\"Andsheburstintoafreshfloodoftears，andcoveredherfacewiththedraperyshewore。Thenthepriestwentuptoherwithasolemnair，andspoketoher，andconjuredherbythenameoftheMostHolytocastasidetheveilthatenvelopedher，ifanyspiritofevilpossessedher。Butshesankonherkneesbeforehim，repeatingallthesacredwordsheuttered，praisingGod，andprotestingthatshewishedwellwiththewholeworld。
Thenatlastthepriestsaidtotheknight：\"Sirbridegroom，IwillleaveyoualonewithherwhomIhaveunitedtoyouinmarriage。SofarasIcandiscoverthereisnothingofevilinher，butmuchindeedthatismysterious。Icommendtoyou——prudence，love，andfidelity。\"Sosaying，hewentout，andthefishermanandhiswifefollowedhim，crossingthemselves。
Undinehadsunkonherknees：sheunveiledherfaceandsaid，lookingtimidlyroundonHuldbrand：\"Alas!youwillsurelynownotkeepmeasyourown；andyetIhavedonenoevil，poorchildthatI
am!\"Asshesaidthis，shelookedsoexquisitelygracefulandtouching，thatherbridegroomforgotallthehorrorhehadfelt，andallthemysterythatclungtoher，andhasteningtoherheraisedherinhisarms。Shesmiledthroughhertears；itwasasmilelikethemorning—lightplayingonalittlestream。
\"Youcannotleaveme，\"shewhispered，withconfidentsecurity，strokingtheknight’scheekwithhertenderhand。Huldbrandtriedtodismissthefearfulthoughtsthatstilllurkedinthebackgroundofhismind，persuadinghimthathewasmarriedtoafairyortosomemaliciousandmischievousbeingofthespiritworld，onlythesinglequestionhalfunawaresescapedhislips：\"MylittleUndine，tellmethisonething，whatwasityousaidofspiritsoftheearthandofKuhleborn，whenthepriestknockedatthedoor？\"
\"Itwasnothingbutfairytales!——children’sfairytales!\"saidUndine，withallherwontedgayety；\"Ifrightenedyouatfirstwiththem，andthenyoufrightenedme，that’stheendofourstoryandofournuptialevening。\"
\"Nay!thatitisn’t，\"saidtheknight，intoxicatedwithlove，andextinguishingthetapers，heborehisbeautifulbelovedtothebridalchamberbythelightofthemoonwhichshonebrightlythroughthewindows。
CHAPTERVIII。
THEDAYAFTERTHEWEDDING。
Thefreshlightofthemorningawoketheyoungmarriedpair。
WonderfulandhorribledreamshaddisturbedHuldbrand’srest；hehadbeenhauntedbyspectres，who，grinningathimbystealth，hadtriedtodisguisethemselvesasbeautifulwomen，andfrombeautifulwomentheyallatonceassumedthefacesofdragons，andwhenhestartedupfromthesehideousvisions，themoonlightshonepaleandcoldintotheroom；terrifiedhelookedatUndine，whostilllayinunalteredbeautyandgrace。Thenhewouldpressalightkissuponherrosylips，andwouldfallasleepagainonlytobeawakenedbynewterrors。Afterhehadreflectedonallthis，nowthathewasfullyawake，hereproachedhimselfforanydoubtthatcouldhaveledhimintoerrorwithregardtohisbeautifulwife。Hebeggedhertoforgivehimfortheinjusticehehaddoneher，butsheonlyheldouttohimherfairhand，sigheddeeply，andremainedsilent。Butaglanceofexquisitefervorbeamedfromhereyessuchashehadneverseenbefore，carryingwithitthefullassurancethatUndineborehimnoill—will。Hethenrosecheerfullyandlefther，tojoinhisfriendsinthecommonapartment。
Hefoundthethreesittingroundthehearth，withanairofanxietyaboutthem，asiftheydarednotventuretospeakaloud。Thepriestseemedtobeprayinginhisinmostspiritthatallevilmightbeaverted。When，however，theysawtheyounghusbandcomeforthsocheerfullythecarewornexpressionoftheirfacesvanished。
Theoldfishermanevenbegantojestwiththeknight，sopleasantly，thattheagedwifesmiledgood—humoredlyasshelistenedtothem。
Undineatlengthmadeherappearance。Allrosetomeetherandallstoodstillwithsurprise，fortheyoungwifeseemedsostrangetothemandyetthesame。Thepriestwasthefirsttoadvancetowardherwithpaternalarmsaffectionbeaminginhisface，and，asheraisedhishandtoblessher，thebeautifulwomansankreverentlyonherkneesbeforehim。Withafewhumbleandgraciouswordsshebeggedhimtoforgiveherforanyfoolishthingsshemighthavesaidtheeveningbefore，andentreatedhiminanagitatedtonetoprayforthewelfareofhersoul。Shethenrose，kissedherfoster—
parents，andthankingthemforallthegoodnesstheyhadshownher，sheexclaimed：\"Oh!Inowfeelinmyinnermostheart，howmuch，howinfinitelymuch，youhavedoneforme，dear，kindpeople!\"Shecouldnotatfirstdesistfromhercaresses，butscarcelyhadsheperceivedthattheoldwomanwasbusyinpreparingbreakfast，thanshewenttothehearth，cookedandarrangedthemeal，andwouldnotsufferthegoodoldmothertotaketheleasttrouble。
Shecontinuedthusthroughoutthewholeday，quiet，kind，andattentive——atoncealittlematronandatender，bashfulgirl。Thethreewhohadknownherlongestexpectedeverymomenttoseesomewhimsicalvagaryofhercapriciousspiritburstforth。Buttheywaitedinvainforit。Undineremainedasmildandgentleasanangel。Theholyfathercouldnottakehiseyesfromher，andhesaidrepeatedlytothebridegroom：\"Thegoodnessofheaven，sir，hasintrustedatreasuretoyouyesterdaythroughme，unworthyasIam；
cherishitasyouought，anditwillpromoteyourtemporalandeternalwelfare。\"
TowardeveningUndinewashangingontheknight’sarmwithhumbletenderness，anddrewhimgentlyoutofthedoor，wherethedecliningsunwasshiningpleasantlyonthefreshgrass，anduponthetall，slenderstemsofthetrees。Theeyesoftheyoungwifeweremoist，aswiththedewofsadnessandlove，andatenderandfearfulsecretseemedhoveringonherlips，which，however，wasonlydisclosedbyscarcelyaudiblesighs。Sheledherhusbandonwardandonwardinsilence；whenhespoke，sheonlyansweredhimwithlooks，inwhich，itistrue，therelaynodirectreplytohisinquiries，butwholeheavenofloveandtimiddevotion。Thustheyreachedtheedgeoftheswollenforeststream，andtheknightwasastonishedtoseeitripplingalongingentlewaves，withoutatraceofitsformerwildnessandswell。\"Bythemorningitwillbequitedry，\"saidthebeautifulwife，inaregretfultone，\"andyoucanthentravelawaywhereveryouwill，withoutanythingtohinderyou。\"
\"Notwithoutyou，mylittleUndine，\"repliedtheknight，laughing：
\"remember，evenifIwishedtodesertyou，thechurch，andthespiritualpowers，andtheemperor，andtheempirewouldinterposeandbringthefugitivebackagain。\"
\"Alldependsuponyou，alldependsuponyou，\"whisperedhiswife，half—weepingandhalf—smiling。\"Ithink，however，nevertheless，thatyouwillkeepmewithyou：Iloveyousoheartily。Nowcarrymeacrosstothatlittleislandthatliesbeforeus。Themattershallbedecidedthere。Icouldeasilyindeedglidethroughtheripplingwaves，butitissorestfulinyourarms，andifyouweretocastmeoff，Ishallhavesweetlyrestedinthemoncemoreforthelasttime。\"Huldbrand，fullashewasofstrangefearandemotion，knewnotwhattoreply。Hetookherinhisarmsandcarriedheracross，rememberingnowforthefirsttimethatthiswasthesamelittleislandfromwhichhehadborneherbacktotheoldfishermanonthatfirstnight。Onthefurthersideheputherdownonthesoftgrass，andwasonthepointofplacinghimselflovinglynearhisbeautifulburden，whenshesaid：\"No，thereoppositetome!Iwillreadmysentenceinyoureyes，beforeyourlipsspeak；now，listenattentivelytowhatIwillrelatetoyou。\"Andshebegan：——
\"Youmustknow，mylovedone，thattherearebeingsintheelementswhichalmostappearlikemortals，andwhichrarelyallowthemselvestobecomevisibletoyourrace。Wonderfulsalamandersglitterandsportintheflames；leanandmaliciousgnomesdwelldeepwithintheearth；spirits，belongingtotheair，wanderthroughtheforests，andavastfamilyofwater—spiritsliveinthelakes，andstreams，andbrooks。Inresoundingdomesofcrystal，throughwhichtheskylooksinwithitssunandstars，theselatterspiritsfindtheirbeautifulabode；loftytreesofcoralwithblueandcrimsonfruitsgleamintheirgardens；theywanderoverthepuresandofthesea，andamonglovelyvariegatedshells，andamidallexquisitetreasuresoftheoldworld，whichthepresentisnolongerworthytoenjoy；
allthesethefloodshavecoveredwiththeirsecretveilsofsilver，andthenoblemonumentssparklebelow，statelyandsolemn，andbedewedbythelovingwaterswhichallurefromthemmanyabeautifulmoss—flowerandentwiningclusterofsea—grass。Those，however，whodwellthereareveryfairandlovelytobehold，andforthemostpartaremorebeautifulthanhumanbeings。Manyafishermanhasbeensofortunateastosurprisesometendermermaidassheroseabovethewatersandsang。Hewouldtellafarofherbeauty，andsuchwonderfulbeingshavebeengiventhenameofUndines。You，however，arenowactuallybeholdinganUndine。\"
Theknighttriedtopersuadehimselfthathisbeautifulwifewasunderthespellofoneofherstrangehumors，andthatshewastakingpleasureinteasinghimwithoneofherextravagantinventions。Butrepeatedlyashesaidthistohimself，hecouldnotbelieveitforamoment；astrangeshudderpassedthroughhim；
unabletoutteraword，hestaredatthebeautifulnarratorwithanimmovablegaze。Undineshookherheadsorrowfully，drewadeepsigh，andthenproceededasfollows：——
\"Ourconditionwouldbefarsuperiortothatofotherhumanbeings——
forhumanbeingswecallourselves，beingsimilartotheminformandculture——butthereisoneevilpeculiartous。Weandourlikeintheotherelements，vanishintodustandpassaway，bodyandspirit，sothatnotavestigeofusremainsbehind；andwhenyoumortalshereafterawaketoapurerlife，weremainwiththesandandthesparksandthewindandthewaves。Hencewehavealsonosouls；
theelementmovesus，andisoftenobedienttouswhilewelive，thoughitscattersustodustwhenwedie；andwearemerry，withouthavingaughttogrieveus——merryasthenightingalesandthelittlegold—fishesandotherprettychildrenofnature。Butallthingsaspiretobehigherthantheyare。Thus，myfather，whoisapowerfulwater—princeintheMediterraneanSea，desiredthathisonlydaughtershouldbecomepossessedofasoul，eventhoughshemustthenenduremanyofthesufferingsofthosethusendowed。Suchasweare，however，canonlyobtainasoulbytheclosestunionofaffectionwithoneofyourhumanrace。Iamnowpossessedofasoul，andmysoulthanksyou，myinexpressiblybelovedone，anditwilleverthankyou，ifyoudonotmakemywholelifemiserable。Forwhatistobecomeofme，ifyouavoidandrejectme？Still，Iwouldnotretainyoubydeceit。Andifyoumeantorejectme，dosonow，andreturnalonetotheshore。Iwilldiveintothisbrook，whichismyuncle；andhereintheforest，farremovedfromotherfriends，hepasseshisstrangeandsolitarylife。Heis，however，powerful，andisesteemedandbelovedbymanygreatstreams；andashebroughtmehithertothefisherman，alight—hearted，laughingchild，hewilltakemebackagaintomyparents，aloving，suffering，andsoul—
endowedwoman。\"
Shewasabouttosaystillmore，butHuldbrandembracedherwiththemostheartfeltemotionandlove，andboreherbackagaintotheshore。Itwasnottillhereachedit，thathesworeamidtearsandkisses，nevertoforsakehissweetwife，callinghimselfmorehappythantheGreekPygmalion，whosebeautifulstatuereceivedlifefromVenusandbecamehislovedone。Inendearingconfidence，Undinewalkedbacktothecottage，leaningonhisarm；feelingnowforthefirsttime，withallherheart，howlittlesheoughttoregrettheforsakencrystalpalacesofhermysteriousfather。
CHAPTERIX。
HOWTHEKNIGHTTOOKHISYOUNGWIFEWITHHIM。
WhenHuldbrandawokefromhissleeponthefollowingmorning，andmissedhisbeautifulwifefromhisside，hebegantoindulgeagaininthestrangethoughts，thathismarriageandthecharmingUndineherselfwerebutfleetinganddeceptiveillusions。Butatthesamemomentsheenteredtheroom，satdownbesidehim，andsaid：\"Ihavebeenoutratherearlytoseeifmyunclekeepshisword。Hehasalreadyledallthewatersbackagainintohisowncalmchannel，andhenowflowsthroughtheforest，solitarilyanddreamilyasbefore。
Hisfriendsinthewaterandtheairhavealsoreturnedtorepose：
allwillagaingoonquietlyandregularly，andyoucantravelhomewardwhenyouwill，dry—shod。\"ItseemedtoHuldbrandasthoughhewereinawakingdream，solittlecouldhereconcilehimselftothestrangerelationshipofhiswife。
Neverthelesshemadenoremarkonthematter，andtheexquisitegraceofhisbridesoonlulledtoresteveryuneasymisgiving。Whenhewasafterwardstandingbeforethedoorwithher，andlookingoverthegreenpeninsulawithitsboundaryofclearwaters，hefeltsohappyinthiscradleofhislove，thatheexclaimed：\"Whyshallwetravelsosoonasto—day？Weshallscarcelyfindmorepleasantdaysintheworldyonderthanthosewehavespentinthisquietlittleshelter。Letusyetseethesungodownheretwiceorthricemore。\"
\"Asmylordwills，\"repliedUndine，humbly。\"Itisonlythattheoldpeoplewill，atallevents，partfrommewithpain，andwhentheynowforthefirsttimeperceivethetruesoulwithinme，andhowI
cannowheartilyloveandhonor，theirfeebleeyeswillbedimmedwithplentifultears。Atpresenttheyconsidermyquietnessandgentlenessofnobetterpromisethanbefore，likethecalmnessofthelakewhentheairisstill；and，asmattersnoware，theywillsoonlearntocherishafloweroratreeastheyhavecherishedme。
Donot，therefore，letmerevealtothemthisnewly—bestowedandlovingheart，justatthemomentwhentheymustloseitforthisworld；andhowcouldIconcealit，ifweremainlongertogether？\"
Huldbrandconcededthepoint；hewenttotheagedpeopleandtalkedwiththemoverthejourney，whichheproposedtoundertakeimmediately。Theholyfatherofferedtoaccompanytheyoungmarriedpair，and，afterahastyfarewell，heandtheknightassistedthebeautifulbridetomountherhorse，andwalkedwithrapidstepbyhersideoverthedrychanneloftheforest—streamintothewoodbeyond。Undineweptsilentlybutbitterly，andtheoldpeoplegaveloudexpressiontotheirgrief。Itseemedasiftheyhadapresentimentofalltheywerenowlosingintheirfoster—child。
Thethreetravellershadreachedinsilencethedensestshadesoftheforest。Itmusthavebeenafairsight，underthatgreencanopyofleaves，toseeUndine’slovelyform，asshesatonhernobleandrichlyornamentedsteed，withthevenerablepriestinthewhitegarbofhisorderononesideofher，andontheotherthebloomingyoungknightinhisgayandsplendidattire，withhisswordathisgirdle。
HuldbrandhadnoeyesbutforhisbeautifulwifeUndine，whohaddriedhertears，hadnoeyesbutforhim，andtheysoonfellintoamute，voicelessconverseofglanceandgesture，fromwhichtheywereonlyrousedatlengthbythelowtalkingofthereverendfatherwithafourthtraveller，whointhemeanwhilehadjoinedthemunobserved。
Heworeawhitegarmentalmostresemblingthedressofthepriestsorder，exceptthathishoodhunglowoverhisface，andhiswholeattirefloatedroundhiminsuchvastfoldsthathewasobligedeverymomenttogatheritup，andthrowitoverhisarm，ordisposeofitinsomeway，andyetitdidnotintheleastseemtoimpedehismovements。Whentheyoungcouplefirstperceivedhim，hewasjustsaying\"Andso，venerablesir。Ihavenowdweltformanyyearshereintheforest，andyetnoonecouldcallmeahermit，inyoursenseoftheword。For，asIsaid，Iknownothingofpenance，andI
donotthinkIhaveanyespecialneedofit。Ilosetheforestonlyforthisreason，thatitsbeautyisquitepeculiartoitself，anditamusesmetopassalonginmyflowingwhitegarmentsamongtheeasesandduskyshadows，whilenowandthenasweetsunbeamshinesdownunexpectedlyuponme。\"
\"Youareaverystrangeman，\"repliedthepriest，\"andIshouldliketobemorecloselyacquaintedwithyou。\"
\"Andtopassfromonethingtoanother，whomayyoubeyourself？\"
askedthestranger。
\"IamcalledFatherHeilmann，\"saidtheholyman；\"andIcomefromthemonasteryof’ourLady’whichliesontheothersideofthelake。\"
\"Indeed，\"repliedthestranger；\"mynameisKuhleborn，andsofarascourtesyisconcernedImightclaimthetitleofLordofKuhleborn，orfreeLordofKuhleborn；forIamasfreeasthebirdsintheforestandperhapsalittlemoreso。Forexample，Ihavenowsomethingtosaytotheyoungladythere。\"Andbeforetheywereawareofhisintention，hewasattheothersideofthepriest，closebesideUndine，stretchinghimselfuptowhispersomethinginherear。
Butsheturnedfromhimwithalarm，andexclaimed：\"Ihavenothingmoretodowithyou。\"
\"Ho，ho，\"laughedthestranger，\"whatisthisimmenselygrandmarriageyouhavemade，thatyoudon’tknowyourownrelationsanylonger？HaveyouforgottenyouruncleKuhleborn，whosofaithfullyboreyouonhisbackthroughthisregion？\"
\"Ibegyou，nevertheless，\"repliedUndine，\"nottoappearinmypresenceagain。Iamnowafraidofyou；andsupposemyhusbandshouldlearntoavoidmewhenheseesmeinsuchstrangecompanyandwithsuchrelations!\"
\"Mylittleniece，\"saidKuhleborn，\"youmustnotforgetthatIamwithyouhereasaguide；thespiritsofearththathauntthisplacemightotherwiseplaysomeoftheirstupidprankswithyou。Letmethereforegoquietlyonwithyou；theoldpriestthererememberedmebetterthanyouappeartohavedone，forheassuredmejustnowthatIseemedfamiliartohim，andthatImusthavebeenwithhimintheboat，outofwhichhefellintothewater。Iwasso，trulyenough；
forIwasthewater—spoutthatcarriedhimoutofitandwashedhimsafelyashoreforyourwedding。\"
UndineandtheknightturnedtowardFatherHeilmann；butheseemedwalkingon，asinasortofdream，andnolongertobeconsciousofallthatwaspassing。UndinethensaidtoKuhleborn，\"Iseeyondertheendoftheforest。Wenolongerneedyourhelp，andnothingcausesusalarmbutyourself。Ibegyou，therefore，inallloveandgood—will，vanish，andletusproceedinpeace。\"
Kuhlebornseemedtobecomeangryatthis；hiscountenanceassumedafrightfulexpression，andhegrinnedfiercelyatUndine，whoscreamedaloudandcalleduponherhusbandforassistance。Asquickaslightning，theknightsprangtotheothersideofthehorse，andaimedhissharpswordatKuhleborn’shead。Buttheswordcutthroughawaterfall，whichwasrushingdownnearthemfromaloftycrag；andwithasplash，whichalmostsoundedlikeaburstoflaughter，itpouredoverthemandwetthemthroughtotheskin。
Thepriest，asifsuddenlyawaking，exclaimed\"Ihavelongbeenexpectingthat，forthestreamrandownfromtheheightsoclosetous。Atfirstitreallyseemedtomelikeaman，andasifitcouldspeak。\"Asthewaterfallcamerushingdown，itdistinctlyutteredthesewordsinHuldbrand’sear：——
\"Rashknight，Braveknight，Rage，feelInot，Chide，willInot。
Buteverguardthylittlewifeaswell，Rashknight，braveknight!Protectherwell!\"
Afewfootstepsmore，andtheywereuponopenground。Theimperialcitylaybrightbeforethem，andtheeveningsun，whichgildeditstowers，kindlydriedthegarmentsofthedrenchedwanderers。
CHAPTERX。
HOWTHEYLIVEDINTHECITY。
Thesuddendisappearanceoftheyoungknight，HuldbrandvonRingstetten，fromtheimperialcity，hadcausedgreatsensationandsolicitudeamongthosewhohadadmiredhim，bothforhisskillinthetournamentandthedance，andnolesssoforhisgentleandagreeablemanners。Hisservantswouldnotquittheplacewithouttheirmaster，althoughnotoneofthemwouldhavehadthecouragetogoinquestofhimintotheshadowyrecessesoftheforest。Theythereforeremainedintheirquarters，inactivelyhoping，asmenarewonttodo，andkeepingalivetheremembranceoftheirlostlordbytheirlamentations。When，soonafter，theviolentstormsandfloodswereobserved，thelessdoubtwasentertainedastothecertaindestructionofthehandsomestranger；andBertaldaopenlymournedforhimandblamedherselfforhavingalluredtheunfortunateknightintotheforest。Herfoster—parents，thedukeandduchess，hadcometofetchheraway，butBertaldaentreatedthemtoremainwithheruntilcertainintelligencehadbeenobtainedofHuldbrand’sfate。
Sheendeavoredtoprevailuponseveralyoungknights，whowereeagerlycourtingher，tofollowthenobleadventurertotheforest。
Butshewouldnotpledgeherhandasarewardoftheenterprise，becauseshealwayscherishedthehopeofbelongingtothereturningknight，andnoglove，norriband，norevenkiss，wouldtemptanyonetoexposehislifeforthesakeofbringingbacksuchadangerousrival。
WhenHuldbrandnowsuddenlyandunexpectedlyappeared，hisservants。
andtheinhabitantsofthecity，andalmosteveryone，rejoiced。
Bertaldaalonerefusedtodoso；foragreeableasitwastotheothersthatheshouldbringwithhimsuchabeautifulbride，andFatherHeilmannasawitnessofthemarriage，Bertaldacouldfeelnothingbutgriefandvexation。Inthefirstplace，shehadreallylovedtheyoungknightwithallherheart，andinthenext，hersorrowathisabsencehadproclaimedthisfarmorebeforetheeyesofall，thanwasnowbefitting。Shestill，however，conductedherselfasawisemaiden，reconciledherselftocircumstances，andlivedonthemostfriendlytermswithUndine，whowaslookeduponthroughoutthecityasaprincesswhomHuldbrandhadrescuedintheforestfromsomeevilenchantment。Whensheorherhusbandwerequestionedonthematter，theywerewiseenoughtobesilentorskilfullytoevadetheinquiries。FatherHeilmann’slipsweresealedtoidlegossipofanykind，andmoreover，immediatelyafterHuldbrand’sarrival，hehadreturnedtohismonastery；sothatpeoplewereobligedtobesatisfiedwiththeirownstrangeconjectures，andevenBertaldaherselfknewnomoreofthetruththanothers。
Daybyday，Undinefeltheraffectionincreaseforthefairmaiden。
\"Wemusthaveknowneachotherbefore，\"sheoftenusedtosaytoher。\"orelse，theremustbesomemysteriousconnectionbetweenus，foronedoesnotloveanotherasdearlyasIhavelovedyoufromthefirstmomentofourmeetingwithoutsomecause——somedeepandsecretcause。\"AndBertaldaalsocouldnotdenythefactthatshefeltdrawntoUndinewithatenderfeelingofconfidence，howevermuchshemightconsiderthatshehadcauseforthebitterestlamentationatthissuccessfulrival。Biassedbythismutualaffection，theybothpersuaded——theoneherfoster—parents，theotherherhusband——
topostponethedayofdeparturefromtimetotime；indeed，itwasevenproposedthatBertaldashouldaccompanyUndineforatimetocastleRingstetten，nearthesourceoftheDanube。
Theyweretalkingoverthisplanonebeautifulevening，astheywerewalkingbystarlightinthelargesquareoftheImperialcity，underthetalltreesthatencloseit。TheyoungmarriedpairhadincitedBertaldatojointhemintheireveningwalk，andallthreewerestrollingupanddownunderthedark—bluesky，ofteninterruptingtheirfamiliartalktoadmirethemagnificentfountaininthemiddleofthesquare，asitswatersrushedandbubbledforthwithwonderfulbeauty。Ithidasoothinghappyinfluenceuponthem；betweentheshadowsofthetreestherestoleglimmeringsoflightfromtheadjacenthouses；alowmurmurofchildrenatplay，andofothersenjoyingtheirwalk，floatedaroundthem；theyweresoalone，andyetinthemidstofthebrightandlivingworld；whateverhadappeareddifficultbyday，nowbecamesmoothasofitself；andthethreefriendscouldnolongerunderstandwhytheslightesthesitationhadexistedwithregardtoBertalda’svisittoRingstetten。Presently，justastheywereonthepointoffixingthedayfortheircommondeparture，atallmanapproachedthemfromthemiddleofthesquare，bowedrespectfullytothecompany，andsaidsomethingintheearoftheyoungwife。Displeasedasshewasattheinterruptionanditscause，shesteppedalittleasidewiththestranger，andbothbegantowhispertogether，asitseemed，inaforeigntongue。Huldbrandfanciedheknewthestrangeman，andhestaredsofixedlyathimthatheneitherheardnoransweredBertalda’sastonishedinquiries。
AllatonceUndine，clappingherhandsjoyfully，andlaughing，quittedthestranger’sside，who，shakinghishead，retiredhastilyanddiscontentedly，andvanishedinthefountain。Huldbrandnowfeltcertainonthepoint，butBertaldaasked：\"Andwhatdidthemasterofthefountainwantwithyou，dearUndine？\"
Theyoungwifelaughedwithinherself，andreplied：\"Thedayafterto—morrow，mydearchild，ontheanniversaryofyourname—day，youshallknowit。\"Andnothingmorewouldshedisclose。SheinvitedBertaldaandsentaninvitationtoherfoster—parents，todinewiththemontheappointedday，andsoonaftertheyparted。
\"Kuhleborn？wasitKuhleborn？\"saidHuldbrand，withasecretshudder，tohisbeautifulbride，whentheyhadtakenleaveofBertalda，andwerenowgoinghomethroughthedarkeningstreets。
\"Yes，itwashe，\"repliedUndine，\"andhewasgoingtosayallsortsofnonsensicalthingstome。But，inthemidst，quitecontrarytohisintention，hedelightedmewithamostwelcomepieceofnews。Ifyouwishtohearitatonce，mydearlordandhusband，youhavebuttocommand，andIwilltellityouwithoutreserve。ButifyouwouldconferarealpleasureonyourUndine，youwillwaittillthedayafterto—morrow，andyouwillthenhaveyoursharetoointhesurprise。\"
Theknightgladlycompliedwithhiswife’sdesire，whichhadbeenurgedsosweetly，andasshefellasleep，shemurmuredsmilinglytoherself：\"Dear，dearBertalda!Howshewillrejoiceandbeastonishedatwhathermasterofthefountaintoldme!\"
CHAPTERXI。
THEANNIVERSARYOFBERTALDA’SNAME—DAY。
Thecompanyweresittingatdinner；Bertalda，lookinglikesomegoddessofspringwithherflowersandjewels，thepresentsofherfoster—parentsandfriends，wasplacedbetweenUndineandHuldbrand。
Whentherichrepastwasended，andthelastcoursehadappeared，thedoorswereleftopen，accordingtoagoodoldGermancustom，thatthecommonpeoplemightlookon，andtakepartinthefestivityofthenobles。Servantswerecarryingroundcakeandwineamongthespectators。HuldbrandandBertaldawerewaitingwithsecretimpatienceforthepromisedexplanation，andsatwiththeireyesfixedsteadilyonUndine。Butthebeautifulwifestillcontinuedsilent，andonlykeptsmilingtoherselfwithsecretandheartysatisfaction。Allwhoknewofthepromiseshehadgivencouldseethatshewaseverymomentonthepointofbetrayingherhappysecret，andthatitwaswithasortoflongingrenunciationthatshewithheldit，justaschildrensometimesdelaytheenjoymentoftheirchoicestmorsels。BertaldaandHuldbrandsharedthisdelightfulfeeling，andexpectedwithfearfulhopethetidingswhichweretofallfromthelipsofUndine。SeveralofthecompanypressedUndinetosing。Therequestseemedopportune，andorderingherlutetobebrought，shesangthefollowingwords：——
Brightopeningday，Wildflowerssogay，Tallgrassestheirthirstthatslake，Onthebanksofthebillowylake!
WhatglimmerstheresoshiningThereedygrowthentwining？
IsitablossomwhiteassnowFallenfromheav’nherebelow？
Itisaninfant，frailanddear!
WithfloweretsplayinginitsdreamsAndgraspingmorning’sgoldenbeams；
Oh!whence，sweetstranger，artthouhere？
Fromsomefar—offandunknownstrand，Thelakehasbornetheetothisland。
Nay，graspnottenderlittleone，Withthytinyhandoutspread；
Nohandwillmeetthytouchwithlove，Muteisthatflowerybed。
TheflowerscandeckthemselvessofairAndbreatheforthfragranceblest，Yetnonecanpresstheetoitself，Likethatfar—offmother’sbreast。
Soearlyatthegateoflife，Withsmilesofheav’nonthybrow，Thouhastthebestoftreasureslost，Poorwand’ringchild，norknow’stitnow。
Anobledukecomesridingby，Andneartheecheckshiscourser’sspeed，AndfullofardentchivalryHebearstheehomeuponhissteed。
Much，endlessmuch，hasbeenthygain!
Thoubloom’stthefairestintheland!
Yetah!thepricelessjoyofall，Thou’stleftuponanunknownstrand。
Undinedroppedherlutewithamelancholysmile，andtheeyesofBertalda’sfoster—parentswerefilledwithtears。\"Yes，soitwasonthemorningthatIfoundyou，mypoorsweetorphan，\"saidtheduke，deeplyagitated；\"thebeautifulsingeriscertainlyright；wehavenotbeenabletogiveyouthat`pricelessjoyofall。’\"
\"Butwemustalsohearhowitfaredwiththepoorparents，\"saidUndine，assheresumedherlute，andsang：——
Thro’everychamberroamsthemother，Movesandsearcheseverywhere，Seeks，shescarceknowswhat，withsadness，Andfindsanemptyhouseisthere。
Anemptyhouse!Oh，wordofsorrow，Toherwhooncehadbeensoblest，WholedherchildaboutbydayAndcradleditatnighttorest。
Thebeechisgrowinggreenagain，Thesunshinegildsitswontedspot，Butmother，ceasethysearchingvain!
Thylittlelovedonecomethnot。
Andwhenthebreathofeveblowscool，Andfatherinhishomeappears，ThesmilehealmosttriestowearIsquenchedatoncebygushingtears。
FullwellheknowsthatinhishomeHenaughtcanfindbutwilddespair，Hehearsthemother’sgrievedlamentAndnobrightinfantgreetshimthere。
\"Oh!forGod’ssake，Undine，wherearemyparents\"criedtheweepingBertalda；\"yousurelyknow；youhavediscoveredthem，youwonderfulbeing，forotherwiseyouwouldnothavethustornmeheart。Aretheyperhapsalreadyhere？Canitbe？\"Hereyepassedquicklyoverthebrilliantcompanyandlingeredanaladyofhighrankwhowassittingnextherfoster—father。Undine，however，turnedtowardthedoor，whilehereyesoverflowedwiththesweetestemotion。\"Wherearethepoorwaitingparents？\"sheinquired，and，theoldfishermanandhiswifeadvancedhesitatinglyfromthecrowdofspectators。
TheirglancerestedinquiringlynowonUndine，nowonthebeautifulgirlwhowassaidtobetheirdaughter\"Itisshe，\"saidthedelightedbenefactress，inafalteringtone，andthetwooldpeoplehungroundtheneckoftheirrecoveredchild，weepingandpraisingGod。
Butamazedandindignant，Bertaldatoreherselffromtheirembrace。
Sucharecognitionwastoomuchforthisproudmind，atamomentwhenshehadsurelyimaginedthatherformersplendorwouldevenbeincreased，andwhenhopewasdeludingherwithavisionofalmostroyalhonors。ItseemedtoherasifherrivalhaddevisedallthisonpurposesignallytohumbleherbeforeHuldbrandandthewholeworld。ShereviledUndine，shereviledtheoldpeople，andbitterinvectives，suchas\"deceiver\"and\"bribedimpostors，\"fellfromherlips。Thentheoldfisherman’swifesaidinalowvoicetoherself：
\"Ahme，sheisbecomeawickedgirl；andyetIfeelinmyheartthatsheismychild。\"
Theoldfisherman，however，hadfoldedhishands，andwasprayingsilentlythatthismightnotbehisdaughter。Undine，paleasdeath，turnedwithagitationfromtheparentstoBertalda，andfromBertaldatotheparents；suddenlycastdownfromthatheavenofhappinessofwhichshehaddreamed，andoverwhelmedwithafearandaterrorsuchasshehadneverknowneveninimagination。\"haveyouasoul？Haveyoureallyasoul，Bertalda？\"shecriedagainandagaintoherangryfriend，asifforciblytorousehertoconsciousnessfromsomesuddendeliriumormaddeningnightmare。ButwhenBertaldaonlybecamemoreandmoreenraged，whentherepulsedparentsbegantoweepaloud，andthecompany，ineagerdispute，weretakingdifferentsides，shebeggedinsuchadignifiedandseriousmannertobeallowedtospeakinthisherhusband’shall，thatallaroundwereinamomentsilenced。Shethenadvancedtotheupperendofthetable，whereBertaldahasseatedherself，andwithamodestandyetproudair，whileeveryeyewasfixeduponher，shespokeasfollows：——
\"Myfriends，youlooksoangryanddisturbedandyouhaveinterruptedmyhappyfeastbyyourdisputings。Ah!Iknewnothingofyourfoolishhabitsandyourheartlessmodeofthinking，andIshallneverallmylifelongbecomeaccustomedtothem。Itisnotmyfaultthatthisaffairhasresultedinevil；believeme，thefaultiswithyourselvesalone，littleasitmayappeartoyoutobeso。Ihavethereforebutlittletosaytoyou，butonethingImustsay：Ihavespokennothingbuttruth。Ineithercannorwillgiveyouproofsbeyondmyownassertion，butIwillsweartothetruthofthis。I
receivedthisinformationfromtheverypersonwhoalluredBertaldaintothewater，awayfromherparents，andwhoafterwardplacedheronthegreenmeadowintheduke’spath。\"
\"Sheisanenchantress!\"criedBertalda，\"awitch，whohasintercoursewithevilspirits。Sheacknowledgesitherself。\"
\"Idonot，\"saidUndine，withawholeheaveninnocenceandconfidencebeaming，inhereyes。\"Iamnowitch；onlylookatme。\"
\"Sheisfalseandboastful，\"interruptedBertalda，\"andshecannotprovethatIamthechildoftheselowpeople。Mynobleparents，I
begyoutotakemefromthiscompanyandoutofthiscity，wheretheyareonlybentoninsultingme。\"
Buttheagedandhonorabledukeremainedunmoved，andhiswife，said：\"Wemustthoroughlyexaminehowwearetoact。Godforbidthatweshouldmoveastepfromthishalluntilwehavedoneso。\"
Thentheoldwifeofthefishermandrewnear，andmakingalowreverencetotheduchess，shesaid：\"Noble，god—fearinglady，youhaveopenedmyheart。Imusttellyou。ifthisevil—disposedyoungladyismydaughter，shehasamark，likeaviolet，betweenhershoulders，andanotherlikeitontheinstepofherleftfoot。Ifshewouldonlygooutofthehallwithme!\"
\"Ishallnotuncovermyselfbeforethepeasantwoman!\"exclaimedBertalda，proudlyturningherbackonher。
\"Butbeforemeyouwill。\"rejoinedtheduchess，verygravely。
\"Followmeintothatroom，girl，andthegoodoldwomanshallcomewithus。\"Thethreedisappeared，andtherestofthecompanyremainedwheretheywere，insilentexpectation。Afterashorttunetheyreturned；Bertaldawaspaleasdeath。\"Rightisright。\"saidtheduchess；\"Imustthereforedeclarethatourhostesshasspokenperfect，truth。Bertaldaisthefisherman’sdaughter，andthatisasmuchasitisnecessarytoinformyouhere。\"
Theprincelypairleftwiththeiradopteddaughter；andatasignfromtheduke，thefishermanandhiswifefollowedthem。Theotherguestsretiredinsilenceorwithsecretmurmurs，andUndinesankweepingintoHuldbrand’sarms。
CHAPTERXII。
HOWTHEYDEPARTEDFROMTHEIMPERIALCITY。
ThelordofRingstettenwouldhavecertainlypreferredtheeventsofthisdaytohavebeendifferent；butevenastheywere，hecouldscarcelyregretthemwholly，astheyhadexhibitedhischarmingwifeundersuchagoodandsweetandkindlyaspect。\"IfIhavegivenherasoul，\"hecouldnothelpsayingtohimself，\"Ihaveindeedgivenherabetteronethanmyown；\"andhisonlythoughtnowwastospeaksoothinglytotheweepingUndine，andonthefollowingmorningtoquitwithheraplacewhich，afterthisincident，musthavebecomedistastefultoher。Itistruethatshewasnotestimateddifferentlytowhatshehadbeen。Assomethingmysterioushadlongbeenexpectedofher，thestrangediscoveryofBertalda’soriginhadcausednogreatsurprise，andeveryonewhohadheardthestoryandhadseenBertalda’sviolentbehavior，wasdisgustedwithheralone。
Ofthis，however，theknightandhisladyknewnothingasyet；and，besides，thecondemnationorapprovalofthepublicwasequallypainfultoUndine，andthustherewasnobettercoursetopursuethantoleavethewallsoftheoldcitybehindthemwithallthespeedpossible。
WiththeearliestbeamsofmorningaprettycarriagedroveuptotheentrancegateforUndine：thehorseswhichHuldbrandandhissquiresweretoridestoodnear，pawingthegroundwithimpatienteagerness。
Theknightwasleadinghisbeautifulwifefromthedoor。whenafisher—girlcrossedtheirway。\"Wedonotneedyourfish，\"saidHuldbrandtoher，\"wearenowstartingonourjourney。\"Uponthisthefisher—girlbegantoweepbitterly，andtheyoungcoupleperceivedforthefirsttimethatitwasBertalda。Theyimmediatelyreturnedwithhertotheirapartment，andlearnedfromherthatthedukeandduchessweresodispleasedatherviolentandunfeelingconductontheprecedingway，thattheyhadentirelywithdrawntheirprotectionfromher，thoughnotwithoutgivingherarichportion。
Thefisherman，too，hadbeenhandsomelyrewarded，andhadtheeveningbeforesetoutwithhiswifetoreturntotheirsecludedhome。
\"Iwouldhavegonewiththem，\"shecontinued，\"buttheoldfisherman，whoissaidtobemyfather\"——
\"Andheissoindeed，Bertalda，\"interruptedUndine。\"Lookhere，thestranger，whomyoutookforthemasterofthefountain，toldmethewholestoryindetail。HewishedtodissuademefromtakingyouwithmetocastleRingstetten，andthisledhimtodisclosethesecret。\"
\"Well，then，\"saidBertalda，\"ifitmustbeso，myfathersaid，’I
willnottakeyouwithmeuntilyouarechanged。Venturetocometousalonethroughthehauntedforest；thatshallbetheproofwhetheryouhaveanyregardforus。Butdonotcometomeasalady；comeonlyasafisher—girl!’SoIwilldojustashehastoldme，forI
amforsakenbethewholeworld，andIwillliveanddieinsolitudeasapoorfisher—girl，withmypoorparents。Ihaveaterribledreadthoughoftheforest。Horriblespectresaresaidtodwellinit，andIamsofearful。ButhowcanIhelpit？IonlycameheretoimplorepardonofthenobleladyofRingstettenformyunbecomingbehavioryesterday。Ifeelsure，sweetlady，youmeanttodomeakindness，butyouknewnothowyouwouldwoundme，andinmyagonyandsurprise，manyarashandfranticexpressionpassedmylips。Ohforgive，forgive!Iamalreadysounhappy。OnlythinkyourselfwhatIwasyesterdaymorning，yesterdayatthebeginningofyourbanquet，andwhatIamnow!\"
Hervoicebecamestifledwithapassionatefloodoftears，andUndine，alsoweepingbitterly，fellonherneck。ItwassometimebeforethedeeplyagitatedUndinecouldutteraword；atlengthshesaid：——
\"YoucangowithustoRingstetten；everythingshallremainasitwasarrangedbefore；onlydonotspeaktomeagainas’noblelady。’
Yousee，wewereexchangedforeachotheraschildren；ourfaceseventhensprangasitwerefromthesamestem，andwewillnowsostrengthenthiskindreddestinythatnohumanpowershallbeabletoseparateit。Only，firstofall，comewithustoRingstetten。Wewilldiscusstherehowweshallshareallthingsassisters。\"
BertaldalookedtimidlytowardHuldbrand。Hepitiedthebeautifulgirlinherdistress，andofferingherhishandhebeggedhertenderlytointrustherselfwithhimandhiswife。\"Wewillsendamessagetoyourparents，\"hecontinued，\"totellthemwhyyouarenotcome；\"andhewouldhaveaddedmorewithregardtotheworthyfishermanandhiswife，buthesawthatBertaldashrunkwithpainfromthementionoftheirname，andhethereforerefrainedfromsayingmore。
Hethenassistedherfirstintothecarriage，Undinefollowedher；
andhemountedhishorseandtrottedmerrilybethesideofthem，urgingthedriveratthesametimetohastenhisspeed，sothatverysoontheywerebeyondtheconfinesoftheimperialcityandallitssadremembrances；andnowtheladiesbegantoenjoythebeautifulcountrythroughwhichtheirroadlay。
Afterajourneyofsomedays，theyarrivedoneexquisiteevening，atcastleRingstetten。Theyoungknighthadmuchtohearfromhisoverseersandvassals，sothatUndineandBertaldawereleftalone。
Theybothrepairedtotherampartsofthefortress，andweredelightedwiththebeautifullandscapewhichspreadfarandwidethroughfertileSwabia。
Presentlyatallmanapproachedthem，greetingthemrespectfully，andBertaldafanciedshesawaresemblancetothemasterofthefountainintheimperialcity。Stillmoreunmistakablegrewthelikeness，whenUndineangrilyandalmostthreateninglywavedhimoff，andheretreatedwithhastystepsandshakinghead，ashehaddonebefore，anddisappearedintoaneighboringcopse。Undine，however，said：
\"Don’tbeafraid，dearBertalda，thistimethehatefulmasterofthefountainshalldoyounoharm。\"Andthenshetoldherthewholestoryindetail，andwhoshewasherself，andhowBertaldahadbeentakenawayfromthefishermanandhiswife，andUndinehadgonetothem。Thegirlwasatfirstterrifiedwiththisrelation；sheimaginedherfriendmustbeseizedwithsuddenmadness，butshebecamemoreconvincedthatallwastrue，forUndine’sstorywassoconnected，andfittedsowellwithformeroccurrences，andstillmoreshehadthatinwardfeelingwithwhichtruthneverfailstomakeitselfknowntous。Itseemedstrangetoherthatshewasnowherselfliving，asitwere，inthemidstofoneofthosefairytalestowhichshehadformerlyonlylistened。
ShegazeduponUndinewithreverence，butshecouldnotresistasenseofdreadthatseemedtocomebetweenherandherfriend，andattheireveningrepastshecouldnotbutwonderhowtheknightcouldbehavesolovinglyandkindlytowardabeingwhoappearedtoher，sincethediscoveryshehadjustmade，moreofaphantomthanahumanbeing。
CHAPTERXIII。
HOWTHEYLIVEDATCASTLERINGSTETTEN。
Thewriterofthisstory，bothbecauseitmoveshisownheart，andbecausehewishesittomovethatofothers，begsyou，dearreader，topardonhim，ifhenowbrieflypassesoveraconsiderablespaceoftime，onlycursorilymentioningtheeventsthatmarkedit。Heknowswellthathemightportrayskilfully，stepbystep，howHuldbrand’sheartbegantoturnfromUndinetoBertalda；howBertaldamoreandmorerespondedwithardentaffectiontotheyoungknight，andhowtheybothlookeduponthepoorwifeasamysteriousbeingrathertobefearedthanpitied；howUndinewept，andhowhertearsstungtheknight’sheartwithremorsewithoutawakeninghisformerlove，sothatthoughheattimeswaskindandendearingtoher，acoldshudderwouldsoondrawhimfromher，andhewouldturntohisfellow—mortal，Bertalda。Allthisthewriterknowsmightbefullydetailed，andperhapsoughttohavebeenso；butsuchataskwouldhavebeentoopainful，forsimilarthingshavebeenknowntohimbysadexperience，andheshrinksfromtheirshadoweveninremembrance。Youknowprobablyalikefeeling，dearreader，forsuchisthelotofmortalman。Happyareyouifyouhavereceivedratherthaninflictedthepain，forinsuchthingsitismoreblessedtoreceivethantogive。Ifitbeso，suchrecollectionswillonlybringafeelingofsorrowtoyourmind，andperhapsatearwilltrickledownyourcheekoverthefadedflowersthatoncecausedyousuchdelight。Butletthatbeenough。Wewillnotpierceourheartswithathousandseparatethings，butonlybrieflystate，asIhavejustsaid，howmatterswere。