will give me great pleasure, and you yourself will enjoy a great
surprise.'

Listening to her gentle words, the knight forgot the ill-humour he had
but lately felt, and willingly he agreed to wait until she herself
wished to tell him the good news.

And Undine, as she fell asleep that night, was smiling happily.
'Bertalda, dear Bertalda,' she murmured, 'how she will rejoice when I
tell her the tidings brought to me by him whom she calls the Master of
the fountain.'




CHAPTER X

THE BIRTHDAY FEAST


It had been Undine's wish to give a great banquet in honour of
Bertalda's birthday. The knight had ordered that all should be done as
she desired.

The feast was now spread, and the guests, of whom there were a great
number, had already taken their seats.

At the upper end of the table sat Bertalda, surrounded with flowers
and jewels, gifts these which her foster-parents and friends had
showered upon her. By her side sat the knight and his fair young wife.