Together they went back to the cottage, and to the water-maiden the
little dwelling gleamed more bright than the crystal palace of the
Ocean King.




CHAPTER VIII

HULDBRAND AND UNDINE LEAVE THE COTTAGE


The following day Undine was up and out early in the morning, to see
if the forest stream was still flowing quietly within its banks. Now
the forest stream was the one haunted by her uncle Kühleborn, and
often he would use the waters for his own purposes. Sometimes
Kühleborn's purposes were kind, sometimes they were unkind.

Undine was, in the cottage again, preparing the morning meal, when
Huldbrand entered the kitchen. She greeted him brightly.

'My uncle Kühleborn has made the waters calm,' she cried. 'The stream
is gliding peaceful as of old through the forest. Neither in air nor
water are there spirits to molest us. Should you wish it, you can
journey homeward to-day.'

Huldbrand did not like to hear Undine speak of her strange kinsfolk,
yet so gentle was she, so full of grace, that he soon forgot his
vexation.