sent 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 Danube, Huldbrand spoke of
the magnificence of this noble stream, how it continued swelling as it
flowed through countries enriched by its waters, with what splendour
Vienna rose and sparkled on its banks, and how it grew lovelier and more
imposing throughout its progress.

"It must be glorious to trace its course down to Vienna!" Bertalda
exclaimed, with warmth; but immediately resuming the humble and modest
demeanour she had recently shown, she paused and blushed in silence.

This much moved Undine; and with the liveliest wish to gratify her
friend, she said, "What hinders our taking this little voyage?"

Bertalda leapt up with delight, and the two friends at the same
moment began painting this enchanting voyage on the Danube in the most
brilliant colours. Huldbrand, too, agreed to the project with pleasure;
only he once whispered, with something of alarm, in Undine's ear--

"But at that distance Kuhleborn becomes possessed of his power again!"

"Let him come, let him come," she answered with a laugh; "I shall be
there, and he dares do none of his mischief in my presence."

Thus was the last impediment removed. They prepared for the expedition,
and soon set out upon it with lively spirits and the brightest hopes.

But be not surprised, O man, if events almost always happen very
differently from what you expect. That malicious power which lies in
ambush for our destruction delights to lull its chosen victim asleep
with sweet songs and golden delusions; while, on the other hand, the
messenger of heaven often strikes sharply at our door, to alarm and
awaken us.

During the first days of their passage down the Danube they were
unusually happy. The further they advanced upon the waters of this proud
river, the views became more and more fair. But amid scenes otherwise
most delicious, and from which they had promised themselves the pures