After this last adventure they lived at the castle undisturbed and in
peaceful enjoyment. The knight was more and more impressed with the
heavenly goodness of his wife, which she had so nobly shown by her
instant pursuit and by the rescue she had effected in the Black
Valley, where the power of Kuhleborn again commenced. Undine herself
enjoyed that peace and security which never fails the soul as long as
it knows distinctly that it is on the right path; and besides, in the
newly-awakened love and regard of her husband, a thousand gleams of
hope and joy shone upon her.

Bertalda, on the other hand, showed herself grateful, humble, and
timid, without taking to herself any merit for so doing. Whenever
Huldbrand or Undine began to explain to her their reasons for
covering the fountain, or their adventures in the Black Valley, she
would earnestly entreat them to spare her the recital, for the
recollection of the fountain occasioned her too much shame, and that
of the Black Valley too much terror. She learnt nothing more about
either of them; and what would she have gained from more knowledge?
Peace and joy had visibly taken up their abode at Castle Ringstetten.
They enjoyed their present blessings in perfect security, and now
imagined that life could produce nothing but pleasant flowers and
fruits.

In this happiness winter came and passed away; and spring, with its
foliage of tender green, and its heaven of softest blue, succeeded to
gladden the hearts of the three inmates of the castle. The season
was in harmony with their minds, and their minds imparted their own
hues to the season. What wonder, then, that its storks and swallows
inspired them also with a disposition to travel? On a bright
morning, while they were wandering down to one of the sources of the