So he went and lay down by the Pond in the darkness, and the hours
wore away. But as the time of the bird's song drew near he clasped
his hands and prayed. But the bird did not sing; and when he judged
that midnight was come, he got upon his knees and prepared to put
his head under the water. And as he did so he saw, on the opposite
side of the Pond, the feeble light of a lantern. He could not see
who held it, because even as he looked the bearer blew out the
light; but in that moment it appeared to him that she was as black
as the night itself.

So for awhile he knelt upon his side, and she remained on hers, both
trembling; but at last the King, dreading to startle her away, rose
softly and went round the Pond to where he had seen her.

He said into the night in a shaking voice, "I cannot see you. If you
are there, give me your hand."

And out of the night a shaking voice replied:

"It is so dirty, beloved."

Then he took her in his arms, and felt how she trembled, and he held
her closely to him to still her, whispering:

"You are my Lad."

"Yes," she said in a low voice. "But wait."

And she slipped out of his embrace, and he heard her enter the Pond,