r journey on the river to the huge
hand rising and snatching the jewel from Undine's soft fingers, while
the knight's love grew cold.

Even the waters of the lake seemed to sob and sigh as Gaspar read on of
sweet, sad Undine and of her unhappy love, of Bertha's proud triumph,
her marriage with the knight, and the last, most beautiful scene of
all--Undine rising from the unsealed fountain and going to claim her
love.

"How exquisite!" said Beatrice, drawing a long, deep breath. "I did not
know there was such a story in the world. That is indeed a creation of
genius. I shall never forget Undine."

Her eyes wandered to the sweet spirituelle face and fair golden hair of
her sister. Lionel Dacre's glance followed hers.

"I know what you are thinking of," he said--"Miss Lillian is a perfect
Undine. I can fancy her, with clasped hands and sad eyes, standing
between the knight and Bertha, or rising with shadowy robes from the
open fountain."

"It is a beautiful creation," said Beatrice, gently. "Lillian would be
an ideal Undine--she is just as gentle, as fair, as true. I am like
Bertha, I suppose; at least I know I prefer my own way and my own will."

"You should give some good artist a commission to paint a picture,"
said Lord Airlie. "Choose the scene in the boat Undine bending over
the water, a dreamy expression on her fair face; Bertha sitting by the
knight, proud, bright, and half scornful of her companion. Imagine the
transparent water Undine's little hand half lost in it, and the giant
fingers clasping hers. I wonder that an artist has never painted that
scene."

"Who would do for the knight?" said Beatrice. "Lillian and I will
never dispute over a knight."

"Artists would find some difficulty in that picture," said Lillian.
"How could one clothe a beautiful ideal like Undine? Sweeping robes and
waving plumes might suit Bertha; but how could one depict Undine?"

"The knight is the difficulty," laughed Lionel.

"Why should we not go out on the lake now?" said Gaspar; "I will row."

"I have been wishing for the last ten minutes," replied Beatrice, "to
be upon the lake. I want to put my hand in the water and see what
comes."

Gaspar was not long in getting a pleasure boat out of the boat house.
Lionel managed to secure a seat near his Undine, and Lord Airlie by his
Beatrice.

It was even more pleasant on the water than on the land; the boat moved
easily along, the fresh, clear breeze helping it.