something?'

'What is that?' asked he.

'It is something that has to do with our future happiness.'

'Oh! it is serious, then? Well, of course I promise. Now tell
me!'

'I want you to promise,' she answered, lowering her voice to a
whisper, 'never to bathe in those pools again.'

'But why not, queen of my soul; have I not gone there always, and
nothing has harmed me, flower of my heart?'

'No; but perhaps something will. If you will not promise I shall
go mad with fright. Promise me.'

'Why, what is the matter? You look so pale! Tell me why you are
so frightened?'

'Did you not hear the song?' she asked, trembling.

'Suppose I did, how could that hurt me? It was the loveliest
song I ever heard!'

'Yes, and after the song will come the apparition; and after
that-- after that--'

'I don't understand. Well--after that?'