The farewells were said and Huldbrand lifted his beautiful wife and
seated her on his horse. He himself would walk by her side.

The three travellers soon reached the leafy shades of the forest.

On one side of the lady walked the priest, clad in a long white robe,
while, guarding her on the other side, was, as I told you, the knight.
His armour was burnished and his sword was once more girt by his side.

As Huldbrand and Undine talked joyfully together, a stranger joined
the priest, yet they in their joy did not notice this.

The stranger wore a garment such as a monk might wear. The hood was
drawn forward and wellnigh hid his face, while the whole robe hung
loosely around him, in great folds, so that at each step he must
gather it up and throw it over his arm.

[Illustration: The three travellers soon reached the leafy shades of
the forest]

'I have lived in the forest for many years,' said the stranger to the
priest, 'and I love it for its great beauty. As I flit in and out
among the dark shadows of the trees, I play with the stray sunbeams as
they cast their glances here and there on my white robe.'

'Tell me your name, for I would fain know who you are,' said the
priest to his companion.

'Nay, tell me first who are you who ask?' said the stranger.