CHAPTER XV.
THE JOURNEY TO VIENNA.
After this last adventure, they lived quietly and happily at the castle.

The knight more and more perceived the heavenly goodness of his wife, which had been so nobly exhibited by her pursuit, and by her rescue of them in the Black Valley, where Kuhleborn's power again commenced; Undine herself felt that peace and security, which is never lacking to a mind so long as it is distinctly conscious of being on the right path, and besides, in the newly-awakened love and esteem of her husband, many a gleam of hope and joy shone upon her.
Bertalda, on the other hand, showed herself grateful, humble and timid, without regarding her conduct as anything meritorious.
Whenever Huldbrand or Undine were about to give her any explanation regarding the covering of the fountain or the adventure in the Black Valley, she would earnestly entreat them to spare her the recital, as she felt too much shame at the recollection of the fountain, and too much fear at the remembrance of the Black Valley.

She learned therefore nothing further of either; and for what end was such knowledge necessary?
Peace and joy had visibly taken up their abode at castle Ringstetten.

They felt secure on this point, and imagined that life could now produce nothing but pleasant flowers and fruits.
In this happy condition of things, winter had come and passed away, and spring, with its fresh green shoots and its blue sky, was gladdening the joyous inmates of the castle.

Spring was in harmony with them, and they with spring.