"I know not," replied the ancient dame; "it is a dismal thought, when brought fairly home to the mind, that we are for ever separated from mankind, even though ill fact we never do know nor see them."
" Then you will remain with us — then you will remain with us !" whispered Undine, in a voice scarcely audible and half-singing, while she nestled closer to Huldbrand's side. But he was immersed in the deep and strange mu- sings of his own mind. The region, on the farther side of the forest-river, seemed, since the last words of the priest, to have been withdrawing farther and farther, in dim per- spective, from his view ; and the blooming island on which he lived grew green and smiled more freshly in his fancy. His bride glowed like the fairest rose, not of this obscure nook only, but even of the whole wide world; and the priest was now present.
Added to which, the mistress of the family was direct- ing an angry glance at Undine, because, even in the pre- sence of the priest, she leant so fondly on the knight ; and it seemed as if she was on the point of breaking out in harsh reproof. Then burst forth from the mouth of Huld- brand, as he turned to the priest, " Father, you here see before you an afSauced pair ; and if this maiden and these good old people have no objection, you shall unite us this very evening."
The aged couple were both exceedingly surprised. They had often, it is true, thought of this, but as yet they had never mentioned it ; and now when the knight spoke, i came upon them like something wholly new and unex- pected. Undine became suddenly grave, and looked down thoughtfully, while the priest made inquiries resjjecting the circumstances of their acquaintance, and asked the old people whether they gave their consent to the union. After a great number of (juestions and answers, the affair was arranged to the satisfaction of all ; and the mistress of the house went to pre^iare the bridal apartment for the young
