CONTENTS。

DEDICATION

CHAPTER

I。HOWTHEKNIGHTCAMETOTHEFISHERMAN

II。INWHATWAYUNDINEHADCOMETOTHEFISHERMAN

III。HOWTHEYFOUNDUNDINEAGAIN

IV。OFTHATWHICHTHEKNIGHTENCOUNTEREDINTHEWOOD

V。HOWTHEKNIGHTLIVEDONTHELITTLEPROMONTORY

VI。OFANUPTIALCEREMONY

VII。WHATFURTHERHAPPENEDONTHEEVENINGOFTHEWEDDING

VIII。THEDAYAFTERTHEWEDDING

IX。HOWTHEKNIGHTTOOKHISYOUNGWIFEWITHHIM

X。HOWTHEYLIVEDINTHECITY

XI。THEANNIVERSARYOFBERTALDA’SNAME—DAY

XII。HOWTHEYDEPARTEDFROMTHEIMPERIALCITY

XIII。HOWTHEYLIVEDATCASTLERINGSTETTEN

XIV。HOWBERTALDARETURNEDHOMEWITHTHEKNIGHT

XV。THEJOURNEYTOVIENNA

XVI。HOWITFAREDFURTHERWITHHULDBRAND

XVII。THEKNIGHT’SDREAM

XVIII。HOWTHEKNIGHTHULDBRANDISMARRIED

XIX。HOWTHEKNIGHTHULDBRANDWASBURIED

DEDICATION。

Undine，thouimagefairandblest，Sincefirstthystrangemysteriousglance，Shoneonmefromsomeoldromance，Howhastthousungmyhearttorest!

Howhastthouclungtomeandsmiled，Andwouldest，whisperinginmyear，Giveventtoallthymiseriesdrear，Alittlehalf—spoiledtimorouschild!

Yethathmyzithercaughtthesound，Andbreathedfromoutitsgatesofgold，Eachgentlewordthylipshavetold，Untiltheirfameisspreadaround。

Andmanyahearthaslovedtheewell，Inspiteofeverywaywarddeed，Andmanyaonewillgladlyread，Thepageswhichthyhistorytell。

Icatchthewhisperedhopeexpressed，Thatthoushould’stonceagainappear；

Socastasideeachdoubtandfear，Andcome，Undine!thouspiritblest!

Greeteverynobleinthehall，Andgreet’foreall，withtrustingair，Thebeauteouswomengatheredthere；

Iknowthatthouartlovedbyall。

Andifoneasktheeafterme，Say：he’satrueandnobleknight，Fairwoman’sslaveinsongandfightAndinalldeedsofchivalry。

UNDINE。

CHAPTERI。

HOWTHEKNIGHTCAMETOTHEFISHERMAN。

Therewasonce，itmaybenowmanyhundredyearsago，agoodoldfisherman，whowassittingonefineeveningbeforehisdoor，mendinghisnets。Thepartofthecountryinwhichhelivedwasextremelypretty。Thegreensward，onwhichhiscottagestood，ranfarintothelake，anditseemedasifitwasfromlovefortheblueclearwatersthatthetongueoflandhadstretcheditselfoutintothem，whilewithanequallyfondembracethelakehadencircledthegreenpasturerichwithwavinggrassandflowers，andtherefreshingshadeoftrees。Theonewelcomedtheother，anditwasjustthisthatmadeeachsobeautiful。Therewereindeedfewhumanbeings，orrathernoneatall，tobemetwithonthispleasantspot，exceptthefishermanandhisfamily。Foratthebackofthislittlepromontorytherelayaverywildforest，which，bothfromitsgloomandpathlesssolitudeaswellasfromthewonderfulcreaturesandillusionswithwhichitwassaidtoabound，wasavoidedbymostpeopleexceptincasesofnecessity。

Thepiousoldfisherman，however，passedthroughitmanyatimeundisturbed，whenhewastakingthechoicefish，whichhehadcaughtathisbeautifulhome，toalargetownsituatednotfarfromtheconfinesoftheforest。Theprincipalreasonwhyitwassoeasyforhimtopassthroughthisforestwasbecausethetoneofhisthoughtswasalmostentirelyofareligiouscharacter，andbesidesthis，wheneverhesetfootupontheevilreputedshades，hewaswonttosingsomeholysong，withaclearvoiceandasincereheart。

Whilesittingoverhisnetsthisevening，unsuspiciousofanyevil，asuddenfearcameuponhim，atthesoundofarustlinginthegloomoftheforest，asofahorseandrider，thenoiseapproachingnearerandnearertothelittlepromontory。Allthathehaddreamed，inmanyastormynight，ofthemysteriesoftheforest，nowflashedatoncethroughhismind；foremostofall，theimageofagiganticsnow—whiteman，whokeptunceasinglynoddinghisheadinaportentousmanner。Indeed，whenheraisedhiseyestowardthewooditseemedtohimasifheactuallysawthenoddingmanapproachingthroughthedensefoliage。Hesoon，however，reassuredhimself，reflectingthatnothingserioushadeverbefallenhimevenintheforestitself，andthatuponthisopentongueoflandtheevilspiritwouldbestilllessdaringintheexerciseofhispower。AtthesametimeherepeatedaloudatextfromtheBiblewithallhisheart，andthissoinspiredhimwithcouragethathealmostsmiledattheillusionhehadallowedtopossesshim。Thewhitenoddingmanwassuddenlytransformedintoabrooklongfamiliartohim，whichranfoamingfromtheforestanddischargeditselfintothelake。Thenoise，however，whichhehadheard，wascausedbyaknightbeautifullyapparelled，who，emergingfromthedeepshadowsofthewood，cameridingtowardthecottage。Ascarletmantlewasthrownoverhispurplegold—embroidereddoublet；aredandvioletplumewavedfromhisgolden—coloredhead—gear；andabeautifullyandrichlyornamentedswordflashedfromhisshoulder—belt。Thewhitesteedthatboretheknightwasmoreslenderlyformedthanwar—horsesgenerallyare，andhesteppedsolightlyovertheturfthatthisgreenandflowerycarpetseemedscarcelytoreceivetheslightestinjuryfromhistread。

Theoldfishermandidnot，however，feelperfectlysecureinhismind，althoughhetriedtoconvincehimselfthatnoevilwastobefearedfromsogracefulanapparition；andthereforehepolitelytookoffhishatastheknightapproached，andremainedquietlywithhisnets。

Presentlythestrangerdrewup，andinquiredwhetherheandhishorsecouldhaveshelterandcareforthenight。"Asregardsyourhorse，goodsir，"repliedthefisherman。"Icanassignhimnobetterstablethanthisshadypasture，andnobetterprovenderthanthegrassgrowingonit。Yourself，however，Iwillgladlywelcometomysmallcottage，andgiveyousupperandlodgingasgoodaswehave。"

Theknightwaswellsatisfiedwiththis；healightedfromhishorse，and，withtheassistanceofthefisherman，herelieveditfromsaddleandbridle，andturneditlooseupontheflowerygreen。Thenaddressinghishost，hesaid："EvenhadIfoundyoulesshospitableandkindlydisposed，myworthyoldfisherman，youwouldneverthelessscarcelyhavegotridofmeto—day，for，asIsee，abroadlakeliesbeforeus，andtoridebackintothatmysteriouswood，withtheshadesofeveningcomingon，heavenkeepmefromit!"

"Wewillnottalktoomuchofthat，"saidthefisherman，andheledhisguestintothecottage。

There，besidethehearth，fromwhichascantyfireshedadimlightthroughthecleanly—keptroom，satthefisherman’sagedwifeinacapaciouschair。Attheentranceofthenobleguestsherosetogivehimakindlywelcome，butresumedherseatofhonorwithoutofferingittothestranger。Uponthisthefishermansaidwithasmile："Youmustnottakeitamissofher，youngsir，thatshehasnotgivenuptoyouthemostcomfortableseatinthehouse；itisacustomamongpoorpeople，thatitshouldbelongexclusivelytotheaged。"

"Why，husband，"saidthewife，withaquietsmile，"whatcanyoubethinkingof？OurguestbelongsnodoubttoChristianmen，andhowcoulditcomeintotheheadofthegoodyoungbloodtodriveoldpeoplefromtheirchairs？Takeaseat，myyoungmaster，"shecontinued，turningtowardtheknight；"overthere，thereisarightprettylittlechair，onlyyoumustnotmoveaboutonittooroughly，foroneofitslegsisnolongerofthefirmest。"Theknightfetchedthechaircarefully，satdownuponitgood—humoredly，anditseemedtohimasifhewererelatedtothislittlehousehold，andhadjustreturnedfromabroad。

Thethreeworthypeoplenowbegantotalktogetherinthemostfriendlyandfamiliarmanner。Withregardtotheforest，aboutwhichtheknightmadesomeinquiries，theoldmanwasnotinclinedtobecommunicative；hefeltitwasnotasubjectsuitedtoapproachingnight，buttheagedcouplespokefreelyoftheirhomeandformerlife，andlistenedalsogladlywhentheknightrecountedtothemhistravels，andtoldthemthathehadacastlenearthesourceoftheDanube，andthathisnamewasSirHuldbrandofRingstetten。Duringtheconversation，thestrangerhadalreadyoccasionallyheardasplashagainstthelittlelowwindow，asifsomeoneweresprinklingwateragainstit。Everytimethenoiseoccurred，theoldmanknithisbrowwithdispleasure；butwhenatlastawholeshowerwasdashedagainstthepanes，andbubbledintotheroomthroughthedecayedcasement，heroseangrily，andcalledthreateninglyfromthewindow："Undine!willyouforonceleaveoffthesechildishtricks？

andto—day，besides，thereisastrangerknightwithusinthecottage。"Allwassilentwithout，onlyasuppressedlaughwasaudible，andthefishermansaidashereturned："Youmustpardonitinher，myhonoredguest，andperhapsmanyanaughtytrickbesides；

butshemeansnoharmbyit。Itisourfoster—child，Undine，andshewillnotweanherselffromthischildishness，althoughshehasalreadyenteredhereighteenthyear。But，asIsaid，atheartsheisthoroughlygood。"

"Youmaywelltalk，"repliedtheoldwoman，shakingherhead；"whenyoucomehomefromfishingorfromajourney，herfrolicsmaythenbeverydelightful，buttohaveheraboutonethewholedaylong，andnevertohearasensibleword，andinsteadoffindingherahelpinthehousekeepingasshegrowsolder，alwaystobeobligedtobetakingcarethatherfolliesdonotcompletelyruinus，thatisquiteanotherthing，andthepatienceofasaintwouldbewornoutatlast。"

"Well，well，"saidherhusbandwithasmile，"youhaveyourtroubleswithUndine，andIhaveminewiththelake。Itoftenbreaksawaymydams，andtearsmynetstopieces，butforallthat，Ihaveanaffectionforit，andsohaveyoufortheprettychild，inspiteofallyourcrossesandvexations。Isn’titso？"

"Onecan’tbeveryangrywithher，certainly，"saidtheoldwoman，andshesmiledapprovingly。

Justthenthedoorflewopen，andabeautiful，fairgirlglidedlaughingintotheroom，andsaid"Youhaveonlybeenjesting，father，forwhereisyourguest？"

Atthesamemoment，however，sheperceivedtheknight，andstoodfixedwithastonishmentbeforethehandsomeyouth，Huldbrandwasstruckwithhercharmingappearance，anddweltthemoreearnestlyonherlovelyfeatures，asheimagineditwasonlyhersurprisethatgavehimthisbriefenjoyment，andthatshewouldpresentlyturnfromhisgazewithincreasedbashfulness。Itwas，however，quiteotherwise；forafterhavinglookedathimforsometime，shedrewnearhimconfidingly，kneltdownbeforehim，andsaid，assheplayedwithagoldmedalwhichheworeonhisbreast，suspendedfromarichchain："Why，youhandsome，kindguest，howhaveyoucometoourpoorcottageatlast？Haveyoubeenobligedthentowanderthroughtheworldforyears，beforeyoucouldfindyourwaytous？Doyoucomeoutofthatwildforest，mybeautifulknight？"Theoldwoman’sreproofallowedhimnotimeforreply。Sheadmonishedthegirltostandupandbehaveherselfandtogotoherwork。Undine，however，withoutmakinganyanswerdrewalittlefootstoolclosetoHuldbrand’schair，satdownuponitwithherspinning，andsaidpleasantly："Iwillworkhere。"Theoldmandidasparentsarewonttodowithspoiledchildren。HeaffectedtoobservenothingofUndine’snaughtinessandwasbeginningtotalkofsomethingelse。

Butthisthegirlwouldnotlethimdo；shesaid："Ihaveaskedourcharmingguestwhencehecomes，andhehasnotyetansweredme。"

"Icomefromtheforest，youbeautifullittlevision，"returnedHuldbrand；andshewentontosay：——

"Thenyoumusttellmehowyoucamethere，foritisusuallysofeared，andwhatmarvellousadventuresyoumetwithinit，foritisimpossibletoescapewithoutsomethingofthesort。"

Huldbrandfeltaslightshudderatthisremembrance，andlookedinvoluntarilytowardthewindow，foritseemedtohimasifoneofthestrangefigureshehadencounteredintheforestweregrinninginthere；buthesawnothingbutthedeepdarknight，whichhadnowshroudedeverythingwithout。Uponthishecomposedhimselfandwasonthepointofbeginninghislittlehistory，whentheoldmaninterruptedhimbysaying："Notso，sirknight!thisisnofithourforsuchthings。"Undine，however，sprangangrilyfromherlittlestool，andstandingstraightbeforethefishermanwithherfairarmsfixedinhersides，sheexclaimed："Heshallnottellhisstory，father？Heshallnot？butitismywill。Heshall!Heshallinspiteofyou!"andthussayingshestampedherprettylittlefootvehementlyonthefloor，butshediditallwithsuchacomicallygracefulairthatHuldbrandnowfelthisgazealmostmoreriveteduponherinherangerthanbeforeinhergentleness。

Therestrainedwrathoftheoldman，onthecontrary，burstforthviolently。HeseverelyreprovedUndine’sdisobedienceandunbecomingbehaviortothestranger，andhisgoodoldwifejoinedwithhimheartily。Undinequicklyretorted："Ifyouwanttochideme，andwon’tdowhatIwish，thensleepaloneinyouroldsmokyhut!"andswiftasanarrowsheflewfromtheroom，andfledintothedarknight。

CHAPTERII。

INWHATWAYUNDINEHADCOMETOTHEFISHERMAN

Huldbrandandthefishermansprangfromtheirseatsandwereonthepointoffollowingtheangrygirl。Beforetheyreachedthecottagedoor，however，Undinehadlongvanishedintheshadowydarknesswithout，andnoteventhesoundofherlightfootstepbetrayedthedirectionofherflight。Huldbrandlookedinquiringlyathishost；

italmostseemedtohimasifthewholesweetapparition，whichhadsuddenlymergedagainintothenight，werenothingelsethanoneofthatbandofthewonderfulformswhichhad，butashorttimesince，carriedontheirprankswithhimintheforest。Buttheoldmanmurmuredbetweenhisteeth："Thisisnotthefirsttimethatshehastreatedusinthisway。Nowwehaveachingheartsandsleeplesseyesthewholenightthrough；forwhoknows，thatshemaynotsomedaycometoharm，ifsheisthusoutaloneinthedarkuntildaylight。"

"ThenletusforGod’ssakefollowher，"criedHuldbrand，anxiously。

"Whatwouldbethegoodofit？"repliedtheoldman。"ItwouldbeasinwereItoallowyou，allalone，tofollowthefoolishgirlinthesolitarynight，andmyoldlimbswouldnotovertakethewildrunaway，evenifweknewinwhatdirectionshehadgone。"

"Wehadbetteratanyratecallafterher，andbeghertocomeback，"saidHuldbrand；andhebegantocallinthemostearnestmanner："Undine!Undine!Praycomeback!"Theoldmanshookhishead，saying，thatallthatshoutingwouldhelpbutlittle，fortheknighthadnoideahowself—willedthelittletruantwas。Butstillhecouldnotforbearoftencallingoutwithhiminthedarknight：

"Undine!Ah!dearUndine，Ibegyoutocomeback——onlythisonce!"

Itturnedout，however，asthefishermanhadsaid。NoUndinewastobeheardorseen，andastheoldmanwouldonnoaccountconsentthatHuldbrandshouldgoinsearchofthefugitive，theywereatlastbothobligedtoreturntothecottage。Heretheyfoundthefireonthehearthalmostgoneout，andtheoldwife，whotookUndine’sflightanddangerfarlesstoheartthanherhusband，hadalreadyretiredtorest。Theoldmanblewupthefire，laidsomedrywoodonit，andbythelightoftheflamesoughtoutatankardofwine，whichheplacedbetweenhimselfandhisguest。"You，sirknight，"

saidhe，"arealsoanxiousaboutthatsillygirl，andwewouldbothratherchatteranddrinkawayapartofthenightthankeepturningroundonourrushmatstryinginvaintosleep。Isitnotso？"

Huldbrandwaswellsatisfiedwiththeplan；thefishermanobligedhimtotaketheseatofhonorvacatedbythegoodoldhousewife，andbothdrankandtalkedtogetherinamannerbecomingtwohonestandtrustingmen。Itistrue，asoftenastheslightestthingmovedbeforethewindows，orevenattimeswhennothingwasmoving，oneofthetwowouldlookupandsay："Sheiscoming!"Thentheywouldbesilentforamomentortwo，andasnothingappeared，theywouldshaketheirheadsandsighandgoonwiththeirtalk。

As，however，neithercouldthinkofanythingbutofUndine，theyknewofnothingbettertodothanthattheoldfishermanshouldtellthestory，andtheknightshouldhear，inwhatmannerUndinehadfirstcometothecottage。Hethereforebeganasfollows：——

"ItisnowaboutfifteenyearsagothatIwasonedaycrossingthewildforestwithmygoods，onmywaytothecity。Mywifehadstayedathome，asherwontis，andatthisparticulartimeforaverygoodreason，forGodhadgivenus，inourtolerablyadvancedage，awonderfullybeautifulchild。Itwasalittlegirl；andaquestionalreadyarosebetweenus，whetherforthesakeofthenew—comer，wewouldnotleaveourlovelyhomethatwemightbetterbringupthisdeargiftofheaveninsomemorehabitableplace。Poorpeopleindeedcannotdoinsuchcasesasyoumaythinktheyought，sirknight，but，withGod’sblessing，everyonemustdowhathecan。Well，thematterwastolerablyinmyheadasIwentalong。Thisslipoflandwassodeartome，andIshudderedwhen，amidthenoiseandbrawlsofthecity，Ithoughttomyself，’Insuchscenesasthese，orinonenotmuchmorequiet，thouwiltalsosoonmakethyabode!’ButatthesametimeIdidnotmurmuragainstthegoodGod；onthecontrary，Ithankedhiminsecretforthenew—bornbabe；Ishouldbetellingalie，too，wereItosay，thatonmyjourneythroughthewood，goingorreturning，anythingbefellmeoutofthecommonway，andatthattimeIhadneverseenanyofitsfearfulwonders。TheLordwaseverwithmeinthosemysteriousshades。"

Ashespokehetookhislittlecapfromhisbaldhead，andremainedforatimeoccupiedwithprayerfulthoughts；hethencoveredhimselfagain，andcontinued：——

"Onthissidetheforest，alas!asorrowawaitedme。Mywifecametomeetmewithtearfuleyesandcladinmourning。’Oh!GoodGod!’I

groaned，’whereisourdearchild？speak!’——’Withhimonwhomyouhavecalled，dearhusband，’shereplied；andwenowenteredthecottagetogetherweepingsilently。Ilookedaroundforthelittlecorpse，anditwasthenonlythatIlearnedhowithadallhappened。"

"Mywifehadbeensittingwiththechildontheedgeofthelake，andasshewasplayingwithit，freeofallfearandfullofhappiness，thelittleonesuddenlybentforward，asifattractedbysomethingverybeautifulinthewater。Mywifesawherlaugh，thedearangel，andstretchoutherlittlehands；butinamomentshehadsprungoutofhermother’sarms，andhadsunkbeneaththewaterymirror。Isoughtlongforourlittlelostone；butitwasallinvain；therewasnotraceofhertobefound。"

"Thesameeveningwe，childlessparents，weresittingsilentlytogetherinthecottage；neitherofushadanydesiretotalk，evenhadourtearsallowedus。Wesatgazingintothefireonthehearth。

Presently，weheardsomethingrustlingoutsidethedoor：itflewopen，andabeautifullittlegirlthreeorfouryearsold，richlydressed，stoodonthethresholdsmilingatus。Wewerequitedumbwithastonishment，andIknewnotatfirstwhetheritwereavisionorareality。ButIsawthewaterdrippingfromhergoldenhairandrichgarments，andIperceivedthattheprettychildhadbeenlyinginthewater，andneededhelp。’Wife，’saidI，’noonehasbeenabletosaveourdearchild；yetletusatanyratedoforotherswhatwouldhavemadeussoblessed。’Weundressedthelittleone，puthertobed，andgavehersomethingwarm；atallthisshespokenotaword，andonlyfixedhereyes，thatreflectedtheblueofthelakeandofthesky，smilinglyuponus。Nextmorningwequicklyperceivedthatshehadtakennoharmfromherwetting，andInowinquiredaboutherparents，andhowshehadcomehere。Butshegaveaconfusedandstrangeaccount。Shemusthavebeenbornfarfromhere，notonlybecauseforthesefifteenyearsIhavenotbeenabletofindoutanythingofherparentage，butbecauseshethenspoke，andattimesstillspeaks，ofsuchsingularthingsthatsuchaswearecannottellbutthatshemayhavedroppeduponusfromthemoon。Shetalksofgoldencastles，ofcrystaldomes，andheavenknowswhatbesides。Thestorythatshetoldwithmostdistinctnesswas，thatshewasoutinaboatwithhermotheronthegreatlake，andfellintothewater，andthatsheonlyrecoveredhersenseshereunderthetreeswhereshefeltherselfquitehappyonthemerryshore。Wehadstillagreatmisgivingandperplexityweighingonourheart。Wehad，indeed，soondecidedtokeepthechildwehadfoundandtobringherupintheplaceofourlostdarling；butwhocouldtelluswhethershehadbeenbaptizedornot？Sheherselfcouldgiveusnoinformationonthematter。ShegenerallyansweredourquestionsbysayingthatshewellknewshewascreatedforGodspraiseandglory，andthatshewasreadytoletusdowithherwhateverwouldtendtoHishonorandglory。"

"MywifeandIthoughtthatifshewerenotbaptized，therewasnotimefordelay，andthatifshewere，agoodthingcouldnotberepeatedtoooften。Andinpursuanceofthisidea，wereflecteduponagoodnameforthechild，forwenowwereoftenatalosstoknowwhattocallher。WeagreedatlastthatDorotheawouldbethemostsuitableforher，forIonceheardthatitmeantagiftofGod，andshehadsurelybeensenttousbyGodasagiftandcomfortinourmisery。She，ontheotherhand，wouldnothearofthis，andtoldusthatshethoughtshehadbeencalledUndinebyherparents，andthatUndineshewishedstilltobecalled。Nowthisappearedtomeaheathenishname，nottobefoundinanycalendar，andItookcounselthereforeofapriestinthecity。HealsowouldnothearofthenameofUndine，butatmyearnestrequesthecamewithmethroughthemysteriousforestinordertoperformtheriteofbaptismhereinmycottage。Thelittleonestoodbeforeussoprettilyarrayedandlookedsocharmingthatthepriest’sheartwasatoncemovedwithinhim，andsheflatteredhimsoprettily，andbravedhimsomerrily，thatatlasthecouldnolongerremembertheobjectionshehadhadreadyagainstthenameofUndine。Shewasthereforebaptized’Undine，’andduringthesacredceremonyshebehavedwithgreatproprietyandsweetness，wildandrestlessassheinvariablywasatothertimes。Formywifewasquiterightwhenshesaidthatithasbeenhardtoputupwithher。IfIweretotellyou"——

Theknightinterruptedthefishermantodrawhisattentiontoanoise，asofarushingfloodofwaters，whichhadcaughthisearduringtheoldman’stalk，andwhichnowburstagainstthecottage—

windowwithredoubledfury。Bothsprangtothedoor。Theretheysaw，bythelightofthenowrisenmoon，thebrookwhichissuedfromthewood，widelyoverflowingitsbanks，andwhirlingawaystonesandbranchesoftreesinitssweepingcourse。Thestorm，asifawakenedbythetumult，burstforthfromthemightycloudswhichpassedrapidlyacrossthemoon；thelakeroaredunderthefuriouslashingofthewind；thetreesofthelittlepeninsulagroanedfromroottotopmostbough，andbent，asifreeling，overthesurgingwaters。

"Undine!forHeaven’ssake，Undine。"criedthetwomeninalarm。Noanswerwasreturned，andregardlessofeveryotherconsideration，theyranoutofthecottage，oneinthisdirection，andtheotherinthat，searchingandcalling。

CHAPTERIII。

HOWTHEYFOUNDUNDINEAGAIN。

ThelongerHuldbrandsoughtUndinebeneaththeshadesofnight，andfailedtofindher，themoreanxiousandconfuseddidhebecome。

TheideathatUndinehadbeenonlyamereapparitionoftheforest，againgainedascendancyoverhim；indeed，amidthehowlingofthewavesandthetempest，thecrackingofthetrees，andthecompletetransformationofascenelatelysocalmlybeautiful，hecouldalmosthaveconsideredthewholepeninsulawithitscottageanditsinhabitantsasamockingillusivevision；butfromafarhestilleverheardthroughthetumultthefisherman’sanxiouscallforUndine，andtheloudprayingandsingingofhisagedwife。Atlengthhecameclosetothebrinkoftheswollenstream。andsawinthemoonlighthowithadtakenitswildcoursedirectlyinfrontofthehauntedforest，soastochangethepeninsulaintoanisland。"OhGod!"hethoughttohimself，"ifUndinehasventuredastepintothatfearfulforest，perhapsinhercharmingwilfulness，justbecauseIwasnotallowedtotellheraboutit；andnowthestreammayberollingbetweenus，andshemaybeweepingontheothersidealone，amongphantomsandspectres!"

Acryofhorrorescapedhim，andheclambereddownsomerocksandoverthrownpine—stems，inordertoreachtherushingstreamandbywadingorswimmingtoseekthefugitiveontheotherside。Herememberedalltheawfulandwonderfulthingswhichhehadencountered，evenbyday，underthenowrustlingandroaringbranchesoftheforest。Aboveallitseemedtohimasifatallmaninwhite，whomheknewbuttoowell，wasgrinningandnoddingontheoppositeshore；butitwasjustthesemonstrousformswhichforciblyimpelledhimtocrosstheflood，asthethoughtseizedhimthatUndinemightbeamongthemintheagoniesofdeathandalone。

Hehadalreadygraspedthestrongbranchofapine，andwasstandingsupportedbyit，inthewhirlingcurrent，againstwhichhecouldwithdifficultymaintainhimself；thoughwithacourageousspiritheadvanceddeeperintoit。Justthenagentlevoiceexclaimednearhim："Venturenot，venturenot，theoldman，thestream，isfulloftricks!"Heknewthesweettones；hestoodasifentrancedbeneaththeshadowsthatduskilyshroudedthemoon，andhisheadswamwiththeswellingofthewaves，whichhenowsawrapidlyrisingtohiswaist。Stillhewouldnotdesist。

"Ifthouartnotreallythere，ifthouartonlyfloatingaboutmelikeamist，thenmayItooceasetoliveandbecomeashadowlikethee，dear，dearUndine!"Thusexclaimingaloud，heagainsteppeddeeperintothestream。"Lookroundthee，oh!lookroundthee，beautifulbutinfatuatedyouth!"criedavoiceagainclosebesidehim，andlookingaside，hesawbythemomentarilyunveiledmoon，alittleislandformedbytheflood，onwhichheperceivedundertheinterweavedbranchesoftheoverhangingtrees，Undinesmilingandhappy，nestlingintheflowerygrass。

Oh!howmuchmoregladlythanbeforedidtheyoungmannowusetheaidofhispine—branch!

Withafewstepshehadcrossedthefloodwhichwasrushingbetweenhimandthemaiden，andhewasstandingbesideheronalittlespotofturf，safelyguardedandscreenedbythegoodoldtrees。Undinehadhalf—raisedherself，andnowunderthegreenleafytentshethrewherarmsroundhisneck，anddrewhimdownbesideheronhersoftseat。

"Youshalltellmeyourstoryhere，beautifulfriend，"saidshe，inalowwhisper；"thecrossoldpeoplecannothearushere：andourroofofleavesisjustasgoodashelterastheirpoorcottage。"

"Itisheavenitself!"saidHuldbrand，embracingthebeautifulgirlandkissingherfervently。

Theoldfishermanmeanwhilehadcometotheedgeofthestream，andshoutedacrosstothetwoyoungpeople；"Why，sirknight，Ihavereceivedyouasonehonest—heartedmaniswonttoreceiveanother，andnowhereyouarecaressingmyfoster—childinsecret，andlettingmerunhitherandthitherthroughthenightinanxioussearchofher。"

"Ihaveonlyjustfoundhermyself，oldfather，"returnedtheknight。

"Somuchthebetter，"saidthefisherman；"butnowbringheracrosstomewithoutdelayuponfirmground。"

Undine，however，wouldnothearofthis；shedeclaredshewouldrathergowiththebeautifulstranger，intothewildforestitself，thanreturntothecottage，wherenoonedidasshewished，andfromwhichthebeautifulknightwouldhimselfdepartsoonerorlater。

Then，throwingherarmsroundHuldbrand，shesangwithindescribablegrace：——

"AstreamranoutofthemistyvaleItsfortunestoobtain，theocean’sdepthsitfoundahomeAndne’erreturnedagain。"

Theoldfishermanweptbitterlyathersong，butthisdidnotseemtoaffectherparticularly。Shekissedandcaressedhernewfriend，whoatlastsaidtoher："Undine，iftheoldman’sdistressdoesnottouchyourheart，ittouchesmine——letusgobacktohim。"

Sheopenedherlargeblueeyesinamazementathim，andspokeatlast，slowlyandhesitatingly："Ifyouthinkso——well，whateveryouthinkisrighttome。Buttheoldmanyondermustfirstpromisemethathewillletyou，withoutobjection，relatetomewhatyousawinthewood，and——well，otherthingswillsettlethemselves。"

"Come，onlycome，"criedthefishermantoher，unabletoutteranotherword：andatthesametimehestretchedouthisarmsfarovertherushingstreamtowardher，andnoddedhisheadasiftopromisethefulfilmentofherrequest，andashedidthis，hiswhitehairfellstrangelyoverhisface，andremindedHuldbrandofthenoddingwhitemanintheforest。Withoutallowinghimself，however，togrowconfusedbysuchanideatheyoungknighttookthebeautifulgirlinhisarms，andboreheroverthenarrowpassagewhichthestreamhadforcedbetweenherlittleislandandtheshore。

TheoldmanfelluponUndine’sneckandcouldnotsatisfytheexuberanceofhisjoy；hisgoodwifealsocameupandcaressedthenewly—foundintheheartiestmanner。Notawordofreproachpassedtheirlips；norwasitthoughtof，forUndine，forgettingallherwaywardness，almostoverwhelmedherfoster—parentswithaffectionandfondexpressions。

Whenatlasttheyhadrecoveredfromtheexcessoftheirjoy，dayhadalreadydawned，andhadsheditspurplehueoverthelake；

stillnesshadfollowedthestorm，andthelittlebirdsweresingingmerrilyonthewetbranches。AsUndinenowinsisteduponhearingtheknight’spromisedstory，theagedcouplesmilinglyandreadilyaccededtoherdesire。Breakfastwasbroughtoutunderthetreeswhichscreenedthecottagefromthelake，andtheysatdowntoitwithcontentedhearts——Undineonthegrassattheknight’sfeet，theplacechosenbyherself。

Huldbrandthenproceededwithhisstory。

CHAPTERIV。

OFTHATWHICHTHEKNIGHTENCOUNTEREDINTHEWOOD。

"ItisnowabouteightdaysagosinceIrodeintothefreeimperialcity，whichliesontheothersideoftheforest。Soonaftermyarrival，therewasasplendidtournamentandrunningatthering，andIsparedneithermyhorsenormylance。OncewhenIwaspausingatthelists，torestaftermymerrytoil，andwashandingbackmyhelmettooneofmysquires，myattentionwasattractedbyafemalefigureofgreatbeauty，whowasstandingrichlyattiredononeofthegalleriesallottedtospectators。"

"Iaskedmyneighbor，andlearnedfromhim，thatthenameofthefairladywasBertalda，andthatshewasthefoster—daughterofoneofthepowerfuldukeslivinginthecountry。Iremarkedthatshealsowaslookingatme，and，asitiswonttobewithusyoungknights，Ihadalreadyriddenbravely，andnowpursuedmycoursewithrenovatedconfidenceandcourage。InthedancethateveningI

wasBertalda’spartner，andIremainedsothroughoutthefestival。"

Asharppaininhislefthand，whichhungdownbyhisside，hereinterruptedHuldbrand’snarrative，anddrewhisattentiontotheachingpart。Undinehadfastenedherpearlyteethupononeofhisfingers，appearingatthesametimeverygloomyandangry。Suddenly，however，shelookedupinhiseyeswithanexpressionoftendermelancholy，andwhisperedinasoftvoice："Itisyourownfault。"

Thenshehidherface，andtheknight，strangelyconfusedandthoughtful，continuedhisnarrative。

"ThisBertaldawasahaughty，waywardgirl。Evenontheseconddayshepleasedmenolongerasshehaddoneonthefirst，andonthethirddaystillless。StillIcontinuedabouther，becauseshewasmorepleasanttomethantoanyotherknight，andthusitwasthatI

beggedherinjesttogivemeoneofhergloves。’Iwillgiveityouwhenyouhavequitealoneexploredtheill—famedforest，’saidshe，’andcanbringmetidingsofitswonders。’Itwasnotthatherglovewasofsuchimportancetome，butthewordhadbeensaid，andanhonorableknightwouldnotallowhimselftobeurgedasecondtimetosuchaproofofvalor。"

"Ithinkshelovedyou，"saidUndine，interruptinghim。

"Itseemedso，"repliedHuldbrand。

"Well，"exclaimedthegirl，laughing，"shemustbestupidindeed。Todriveawayanyonedeartoher。Andmoreover，intoanill—omenedwood。Theforestanditsmysteriesmighthavewaitedlongenoughforme!"

"Yesterdaymorning。"continuedtheknight，smilingkindlyatUndine，"Isetoutonmyenterprise。Thestemsofthetreescaughttheredtintsofthemorninglightwhichlaybrightlyonthegreenturf，theleavesseemedwhisperingmerrilywitheachother，andinmyheartI

couldhavelaughedatthepeoplewhocouldhaveexpectedanythingtoterrifytheminthispleasantspot。’Ishallsoonhavetrottedthroughtheforestthereandbackagain，’Isaidtomyself，withafeelingofeasygayety，andbeforeIhadeventhoughtofitIwasdeepwithinthegreenshades，andcouldnolongerperceivetheplainwhichlaybehindme。ThenforthefirsttimeitstruckmethatI

mighteasilylosemywayinthemightyforest，andthatthisperhapswastheonlydangerwhichthewandererhadtofear。Ithereforepausedandlookedroundinthedirectionofthesun，whichinthemeanwhilehadrisensomewhathigherabovethehorizon。WhileIwasthuslookingupIsawsomethingblackinthebranchesofaloftyoak。IthoughtitwasabearandIgraspedmysword；butwithahumanvoice，thatsoundedharshandugly，itcalledtomefromabove：’IfIdonotnibbleawaythebranchesuphere，SirMalapert，whatshallwehavetoroastyouwithatmidnight？’Andsosayingitgrinnedandmadethebranchesrustle，sothatmyhorsegrewfuriousandrushedforwardwithmebeforeIhadtimetoseewhatsortofadevilitreallywas。"

"Youmustnotcallitso，"saidtheoldfishermanashecrossedhimself；hiswifedidthesamesilently。Undinelookedattheknightwithsparklingeyesandsaid："Thebestofthestoryisthattheycertainlyhavenotroastedhimyet；goonnow，youbeautifulyouth!"

Theknightcontinuedhisnarration："Myhorsewassowildthathealmostrushedwithmeagainstthestemsandbranchesoftrees；hewasdrippingwithsweat，andyetwouldnotsufferhimselftobeheldin。Atlasthewentstraightinthedirectionofarockyprecipice；

thenitsuddenlyseemedtomeasifatallwhitemanthrewhimselfacrossthepathofmywildsteed；thehorsetrembledwithfearandstopped：Irecoveredmyholdofhim，andforthefirsttimeperceivedthatmydelivererwasnowhiteman，butabrookofsilverybrightness，rushingdownfromahillbymysideandcrossingandimpedingmyhorse’scourse。"

"Thanks，dearBrook，"exclaimedUndine，clappingherlittlehands。

Theoldman，however，shookhisheadandlookeddownindeepthought。

"Ihadscarcelysettledmyselfinthesaddle，"continuedHuldbrand。

"andseizedthereinsfirmly，whenawonderfullittlemanstoodatmyside，diminutive，anduglybeyondconception。Hiscomplexionwasofayellowishbrown，andhisnosenotmuchsmallerthantherestofhisentireperson。Atthesametimehekeptgrinningwithstupidcourtesy，exhibitinghishugemouth，andmakingathousandscrapesandbowstome。Asthisfarcewasnowbecominginconvenienttome，I

thankedhimbrieflyandturnedaboutmystilltremblingsteed，thinkingeithertoseekanotheradventure，orincaseImetwithnone，tofindmywayback，forduringmywildchasethesunhadalreadypassedthemeridian；butthelittlefellowsprangroundwiththespeedoflightningandstoodagainbeforemyhorse。’Room!’I

cried，angrily；’theanimaliswildandmayeasilyrunoveryou。’——

’Ay，ay!’snarledtheimp，withagrinstillmorehorriblystupid。

’Givemefirstsomedrink—money，forIhavestoppedyourhorse；

withoutmeyouandyourhorsewouldbenowbothlyinginthestonyravine；ugh!’——’Don’tmakeanymorefaces，’saidI，’andtakeyourmoney，evenifyouaretellinglies；forsee，itwasthegoodbrooktherethatsavedme，andnotyou，youmiserablewight!AndatthesametimeIdroppedapieceofgoldintohisgrotesquecap，whichhehadtakenoffinhisbegging。Ithentrottedon；buthescreamedafterme，andsuddenlywithinconceivablequicknesswasatmyside。

Iurgedmyhorseintoagallop；theimprantoo，makingatthesametimestrangecontortionswithhisbody，half—ridiculous，half—

horrible，andholdingupthegold—piece，hecried，ateveryleap，’Falsemoney!，falsecoin!，falsecoin!，falsemoney!’——andthisheutteredwithsuchahollowsoundthatonewouldhavesupposedthataftereveryscreamhewouldhavefallendeadtotheground。"

"Hishorridredtonguemoreoverhungfaroutofhismouth。I

stopped，perplexed，andasked：’Whatdoyoumeanbythisscreaming？

takeanotherpieceofgold，taketwo，butleaveme。’Hethenbeganagainhishideousburlesqueofpoliteness，andsnarledout：’Notgold，notgold，myyounggentleman。Ihavetoomuchofthattrashmyself，asIwillshowyouatonce？’"

"SuddenlyitseemedtomeasifIcouldseethroughthesolidsoilasthoughitweregreenglassandthesmoothearthwereasroundasaball；andwithin，amultitudeofgoblinswererankingsportwithsilverandgold；headoverheelstheywererollingabout，peltingeachotherinjestwiththepreciousmetals，andprovokinglyblowingthegold—dustineachother’seyes。Myhideouscompanionstoodpartlywithinandpartlywithout；heorderedtheotherstoreachhimupheapsofgold，andshowingittomewithalaugh，hethenflungitbackagainwitharingingnoiseintotheimmeasurableabyss。"

"HethenshowedthepieceofgoldIhadgivenhimtothegoblinsbelow，andtheylaughedthemselveshalf—deadoveritandhissedatme。Atlasttheyallpointedatmewiththeirmetal—stainedfingers，andmoreandmorewildly。andmoreandmoredensely，andmoreandmoremadly，theswarmofspiritscameclamberinguptome。Iwasseizedwithterrorasmyhorsehadbeenbefore：Iputspurstohim，andIknownothowfarIgallopedforthesecondtimewildlyintotheforest。"

"Atlength，whenIagainhalted，thecoolnessofeveningwasaroundme。ThroughthebranchesofthetreesIsawawhitefoot—pathgleaming，whichIfanciedmustleadfromtheforesttowardthecity。

Iwasanxioustoworkmywayinthatdirection；butafaceperfectlywhiteandindistinct，withfeatureseverchanging，keptpeeringatmebetweentheleaves；Itriedtoavoidit，butwhereverIwentitappearedalso。Enragedatthis，Ideterminedatlasttorideatit，whenitgushedforthvolumesoffoamuponmeandmyhorse，obligingushalf—blindedtomakearapidretreat。Thusitdroveusstepbystepeverawayfromthefoot—path，leavingthewayopentousonlyinonedirection。Whenweadvancedinthisdirection，itkeptindeedclosebehindus，butdidnotdoustheslightestharm。"

"Lookingaroundatitoccasionally，Iperceivedthatthewhitefacethathadbesprinkleduswithfoambelongedtoaformequallywhiteandofgiganticstature。ManyatimeIthoughtthatitwasamovingstream，butIcouldneverconvincemyselfonthesubject。Weariedout，thehorseandhisrideryieldedtotheimpellingpowerofthewhiteman，whokeptnoddinghishead，asifhewouldsay，’Quiteright，quiteright!’Andthusatlastwecameoutheretotheendoftheforest，whereIsawtheturf，andthelake，andyourlittlecottage，andwherethetallwhitemandisappeared。"

"It’swellthathe’sgone，"saidtheoldfisherman；andnowhebegantotalkofthebestwaybywhichhisguestcouldreturntohisfriendsinthecity。UponthisUndinebegantolaughslylytoherself；Huldbrandobservedit，andsaid："Ithoughtyouweregladtoseemehere；whythendoyounowrejoicewhenmydepartureistalkedof？"

"Becauseyoucannotgoaway，"repliedUndine。"Justtryitonce，tocrossthatoverflowedforeststreamwithaboat，withyourhorse，oralone，asyoumayfancy。Orratherdon’ttryit，foryouwouldbedashedtopiecesbythestonesandtrunksoftreeswhicharecarrieddownbyitwiththespeedoflightning。Andastothelake，Iknowitwell；fatherdarenotventureoutfarenoughwithhisboat。"

Huldbrandrose，smiling，inordertoseewhetherthingswereasUndinehadsaid；theoldmanaccompaniedhim，andthegirldancedmerrilyalongbytheirside。Theyfoundeverything，indeed，asUndinehaddescribed，andtheknightwasobligedtosubmittoremainonthelittletongueofland，thathadbecomeanisland，tillthefloodshouldsubside。Asthethreewerereturningtothecottageaftertheirramble，theknightwhisperedintheearofthelittlemaiden"Well，howisit，myprettyUndine——areyouangryatmyremaining？"

"Ah!"shereplied，peevishly，"letmealone。IfIhadnotbittenyou，whoknowshowmuchofBertaldawouldhaveappearedinyourstory？"

CHAPTERV。

HOWTHEKNIGHTLIVEDONTHELITTLEPROMONTORY。

Afterhavingbeenmuchdriventoandfrointheworld，youhaveperhaps，mydearreader，reachedatlengthsomespotwhereallwaswellwiththee；wheretheloveforhomeanditscalmpeace，innatetoall，hasagainsprungupwithinthee；wherethouhastthoughtthatthishomewasrichwithalltheflowersofchildhoodandofthepurest，deepestlovethatrestsuponthegravesofthosethataregone，andthouhastfeltitmustbegoodtodwellhereandtobuildhabitations。Evenifthouhasterredinthis，andhasthadafterwardbitterlytoatonefortheerror，thatisnothingtothepurposenow，andthouwouldstnot，indeed，voluntarilysaddenthyselfwiththeunpleasantrecollection。Butrecallthatinexpressiblysweetforeboding，thatangelicsenseofpeace，andthouwiltknowsomewhatoftheknightHuldbrand’sfeelingsduringhisabodeonthelittlepromontory。

Heoftenperceivedwithheartysatisfactionthattheforeststreamrolledalongeverydaymorewildly，makingitsbedeverbroaderandbroader，andprolonginghissojournontheislandtoanindefiniteperiod。Partofthedayherambledaboutwithanoldcross—bow，whichhehadfoundinacornerofthecottageandhadrepaired；and，watchingforthewater—fowl，hekilledallthathecouldforthecottagekitchen。Whenhebroughthisbootyhome，Undinerarelyneglectedtoupbraidhimwithhavingsocruellydeprivedthehappybirdsoflife；indeedsheoftenweptbitterlyatthesightheplacedbeforeher。Butifhecamehomeanothertimewithouthavingshotanythingshescoldedhimnolessseriously，sincenow，fromhiscarelessnessandwantofskill，theyhadtobesatisfiedwithlivingonfish。Healwaysdelightedheartilyinhergracefullittlescoldings，allthemoreasshegenerallystrovetocompensateforherill—humorbythesweetestcaresses。

Theoldpeopletookpleasureintheintimacyoftheyoungpair；theyregardedthemasbetrothed，orevenasalreadyunitedinmarriage，andlivingonthisisolatedspot，asasuccorandsupporttothemintheiroldage。ItwasthissamesenseofseclusionthatsuggestedtheideaalsotoHuldbrand’smindthathewasalreadyUndine’sacceptedone。Hefeltasiftherewerenoworldbeyondthesesurroundingwaters，orasifhecouldneverrecrossthemtominglewithothermen；andwhenattimeshisgrazinghorsewouldneighasifinquiringlytoremindhimofknightlydeeds，orwhenthecoatofarmsonhisembroideredsaddleandhorse—gearshonesternlyuponhim，orwhenhisbeautifulswordwouldsuddenlyfallfromthenailonwhichitwashanginginthecottage，glidingfromthescabbardasitfell，hewouldquietthedoubtsofhismindbysaving："Undineisnofisherman’sdaughter；shebelongsinallprobabilitytosomeillustriousfamilyabroad。"Therewasonlyonethingtowhichhehadastrongaversion，andthiswas，whentheolddamereprovedUndineinhispresence。Thewaywardgirl，itistrue，laughedatitforthemostpart，withoutattemptingtoconcealhermirth；butitseemedtohimasifhishonorwereconcerned，andyethecouldnotblametheoldfisherman’swife，forUndinealwaysdeservedatleasttentimesasmanyreproofsasshereceived；so，inhishearthefeltthebalanceinfavoroftheoldwoman，andhiswholelifeflowedonwardincalmenjoyment。

Therecame，however，aninterruptionatlast。Thefishermanandtheknighthadbeenaccustomedattheirmid—daymeal，andalsointheeveningwhenthewindroaredwithout，asitwasalwayswonttodotowardnight，toenjoytogetheraflaskofwine。Butnowthestorewhichthefishermanhadfromtimetotimebroughtwithhimfromthetown，wasexhausted，andthetwomenwerequiteoutofhumorinconsequence。

Undinelaughedatthemexcessivelyallday，buttheywereneitherofthemmerryenoughtojoininherjestsasusual。Towardeveningshewentoutofthecottagetoavoid，asshesaid，twosuchlongandtiresomefaces。Astwilightadvanced，therewereagaintokensofastorm，andthewaterrushedandroared。Fullofalarm，theknightandthefishermansprangtothedoor，tobringhomethegirl，rememberingtheanxietyofthatnightwhenHuldbrandhadfirstcometothecottage。Undine，however，metthem，clappingherlittlehandswithdelight。"Whatwillyougiveme，"shesaid，"toprovideyouwithwine？"orrather，"youneednotgivemeanything，"shecontinued，"forIamsatisfiedifyouwilllookmerrierandbeinbetterspiritsthanyouhavebeenthroughoutthiswholewearisomeday。Onlycomewithme；theforeststreamhasdrivenashoreacask，andIwillbecondemnedtosleepthroughawholeweekifitisnotawine—cask。"Themenfollowedher，andinashelteredcreekontheshore，theyactuallyfoundacask，whichinspiredthemwiththehopethatitcontainedthegenerousdrinkforwhichtheywerethirsting。

Theyatoncerolleditasquicklyaspossibletowardthecottage，forthewesternskywasovercastwithheavystorm—clouds，andtheycouldobserveinthetwilightthewavesofthelakeraisingtheirwhite，foamingheads，asiflookingoutfortherainwhichwaspresentlytopourdownuponthem。Undinehelpedthemenasmuchasshewasable，andwhenthestormofrainsuddenlyburstoverthem，shesaid，withamerrythreattotheheavyclouds："Come，come，takecarethatyoudon’twetus；wearestillsomewayfromshelter。"Theoldmanreprovedherforthis，assimplepresumption，butshelaughedsoftlytoherself，andnomischiefbefellanyoneinconsequenceofherlevity。Nay，more：contrarytoallexpectation，theyreachedthecomfortablehearthwiththeirbootyperfectlydry，anditwasnottilltheyhadopenedthecask，andhadprovedthatitcontainedsomewonderfullyexcellentwine，thattherainburstforthfromthedarkcloud，andthestormragedamongthetopsofthetrees，andovertheagitatedbillowsofthelake。

Severalbottlesweresoonfilledfromthegreatcask，whichpromisedasupplyformanydays，andtheyweresittingdrinkingandjestingroundtheglowingfire，feelingcomfortablysecuredfromtheragingstormwithout。Suddenlytheoldfishermanbecameverygraveandsaid："Ah，greatGod!herewearerejoicingoverthisrichtreasure，andhetowhomitoncebelonged，andofwhomthefloodshaverobbedit，hasprobablylosthispreciouslifeintheirwaters。"

"Thathehasnot，"declaredUndine，asshesmilinglyfilledtheknight’scuptothebrim。

ButHuldbrandreplied："Bymyhonor，oldfather，ifIknewwheretofindandtorescuehim，noknightlyerrandandnodangerwouldI

shirk。Somuch，however，Icanpromiseyou，thatifeveragainI

reachmoreinhabitedlands，Iwillfindouttheownerofthiswineorhisheirs，andrequiteittwofold，nay，threefold。"

Thisdelightedtheoldman；henoddedapprovinglytotheknight，anddrainedhiscupwithabetterconscienceandgreaterpleasure。

Undine，however，saidtoHuldbrand："Doasyouwillwithyourgoldandyourreimbursement；butyouspokefoolishlyabouttheventuringoutinsearch；Ishouldcrymyeyesout，ifyouwerelostintheattempt，andisn’tittrue，thatyouwouldyourselfratherstaywithmeandthegoodwine。"

"Yes，indeed，"answeredHuldbrand，smiling。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读