she, turning to the knight; "there is still quite a snug little chair
on the other side of the room there, only be careful not to shove it
about too roughly, for one of its legs, I fear, is none of the
firmest."

The knight brought up the seat as carefully as she could desire, sat
down upon it good-humouredly, and it seemed to him almost as if he
must be somehow related to this little household, and have just
returned home from abroad.

These three worthy people now began to converse in the most friendly
and familiar manner. In relation to the forest, indeed, concerning
which the knight occasionally made some inquiries, the old man chose
to know and say but little; he was of opinion that slightly touching
upon it at this hour of twilight was most suitable and safe; but of
the cares and comforts of their home, and their business abroad, the
aged couple spoke more freely, and listened also with eager curiosity
as the knight recounted to them his travels, and how he had a castle
near one of the sources of the Danube, and that his name was Sir
Huldbrand of Ringstetten.

Already had the stranger, while they were in the midst of their talk,
heard at times a splash against the little low window, as if some one
were dashing water against it. The old man, every time he heard the
noise, knit his brows with vexation; but at last, when the whole
sweep of a shower came pouring like a torrent against the panes, and
bubbling through the decayed frame into the room, he started up
indignant, rushed to the window, and cried with a threatening voice--

"Undine! will you never leave off these fooleries?--not even to-day,