UNDINE'S STORY


Undine lost her wilful ways on her wedding-day.

Her foster-parents watched her, bewildered, so gentle was she, so
thoughtful. She, who had but seldom flung her arms around them,
embraced them now, and thanked them with tears in her eyes for all
their care. Nor would she let them go, until she saw that the old
woman wished to prepare breakfast.

Then she herself flew to the hearth, and making her foster-mother
rest, she swept and dusted, and prepared the meal. It was strange that
she had never thought of doing this before.

And those who dwelt with her, as they watched her grow so gracious, so
gentle, learned to love her even more than in the days when she had
been wild and wilful.

One evening Undine, with Huldbrand by her side, wandered along the
bank of the forest stream.

The knight marvelled that the waters had suddenly grown peaceful, and
that now again they were gliding quietly along their usual course.

'To-morrow,' said his fair wife sorrowfully, 'to-morrow you can ride
forth where you will.'

'But,' said Huldbrand, 'you know well that if I go I will not leave
you behind.'