at once that Undine must have annoyed her foster-mother, for the old
woman was casting angry looks upon the maiden. Perhaps the angry looks
would be followed by harsh words, as had happened on other days.

Quickly the knight made up his mind. Were Undine but his wife, no one
would venture to reprove her. The priest was in the cottage. Why
should he not marry the beautiful maiden without delay?

He spoke a few words to Undine, then drawing her gently toward the
priest he said, 'Father, you see before you the maiden whom I love,
whom, if her foster-parents are willing, I would wed this very day.'

The priest turned to the fisherman and his wife. 'You hear the words
of the noble knight,' he said. 'Are you willing that he should wed the
maiden?'

It was easy to see that the old people were in no way startled by the
priest's words.

'To no braver or more courteous knight could we give our
foster-child,' said the fisherman, and his wife smiled and nodded as
he spoke.

Then the foster-mother brought two candles, which long years before
had been blessed by a holy man, and placed them on the kitchen table,
while the knight, unfastening the chain which hung around his neck,
began to take off it two golden rings, one for Undine, the other for
himself.

'Ah, do not so,' cried the maiden. 'Touch not the golden chain.