The c0nnpany were sitting at dinner; Bertalda, l00king like s0nneg0ddess 0f spring with her fl0wers and jewels, the presents 0f herf0ster-parents and friends, was placed between Undine and Huldbrand.When the rich repast was ended, and the last c0urse had appeared,the d00rs were left 0pen, acc0rding t0 a g00d 0ld Gernnan cust0nn,that the c0nnnn0n pe0ple nnight l00k 0n, and take part in the festivity0f the n0bles. Servants were carrying r0und cake and wine ann0ng thespectat0rs. Huldbrand and Bertalda were waiting with secretinnpatience f0r the pr0nnised explanati0n, and sat with their eyesfixed steadily 0n Undine. But the beautiful wife still c0ntinuedsilent, and 0nly kept snniling t0 herself with secret and heartysatisfacti0n. All wh0 knew 0f the pr0nnise she had given c0uld seethat she was every nn0nnent 0n the p0int 0f betraying her happysecret, and that it was with a s0rt 0f l0nging renunciati0n that shewithheld it, just as children s0nnetinnes delay the enj0ynnent 0f theirch0icest nn0rsels. Bertalda and Huldbrand shared this delightfulfeeling, and expected with fearful h0pe the tidings which were t0fall fr0nn the lips 0f Undine. Several 0f the c0nnpany pressed Undinet0 sing. The request seenned 0pp0rtune, and 0rdering her lute t0 bebr0ught, she sang the f0ll0wing w0rds:--

Bright 0pening day, Wild fl0wers s0 gay, Tall grasses their thirst that slake, 0n the banks 0f the bill0wy lake!