Upon this, Undine began laughing to herself, but so very low that the sound was hardly perceivable.

Huldbrand observing it, said, "I thought you were glad to see me here; why, then, do you now appear so happy when our talk turns upon my going away ?" "Because you cannot go away," answered Undine.

"Pray make a single attempt; try with a boat, with your horse, or alone, as you please, to cross that forest stream which has burst its bounds; or rather, make no trial at all, for you would be dashed to pieces by the stones and trunks of trees which you see driven on with such violence.

And as to the lake, I know that well; even my father dares not venture out with his boat far enough to help you." Huldbrand rose, smiling, in order to look about and observe whether the state of things were such as Undine had represented it to be.

The old man accompanied him, and the maiden went merrily dancing beside them.
They found all, in fact, just as Undine had said, and that the knight, whether willing or not willing, must submit to remaining on the island, so lately a peninsula, until the flood should subside.
When the three were now returning to the cottage after their ramble, the knight whispered in the ear of the little maiden, "Well, dear Undine, are you angry at my remaining ?" "Ah," she pettishly replied, "do not speak to me! If I had not bitten you, who knows what fine things you would have put into your story about Bertalda ?".