he lighted the consecrated tapers, placed them on a table, and
ordered the bridal pair to stand opposite to him. He then pronounced
the few solemn words of the ceremony, and made them one. The elder
couple gave the younger their blessing; and the bride, gently
trembling and thoughtful, leaned upon the knight.

The priest then spoke out: "You are strange people, after all; for
why did you tell me that you were the only inhabitants of the island?
So far is this from being true, I have seen, the whole time I was
performing the ceremony, a tall, stately man, in a white mantle,
standing opposite to me, looking in at the window. He must be still
waiting before the door, if peradventure you would invite him to come
in."

"God forbid!" cried the old lady, shrinking back; the fisherman shook
his head, without opening his lips; and Huldbrand sprang to the
window. It seemed to him that he could still discern a white streak,
which soon disappeared in the gloom. He convinced the priest that he
must have been mistaken in his impression; and they all sat down
together round a bright and comfortable hearth.




CHAPTER 4



Before the nuptial ceremony, and during its performance, Undine had
shown a modest gentleness and maidenly reserve; but it now seemed as