第2章

\"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。