The company were sitting at dinner.

Bertalda, adorned with jewels and flowers without number, the presents of her foster-parents and friends, and looking like some goddess of spring, sat beside Undine and Huldbrand at the head of the table.

When the sumptuous repast was ended, and the dessert was placed before them, permission was given that the doors should be left open: this was in accordance with the good old custom in Germany, that the common people might see and rejoice in the festivity of their superiors.

Among these spectators the servants carried round cake and wine.
Huldbrand and Bertalda waited with secret impatience for the promised explanation, and hardly moved their eyes from Undine.

But she still continued silent, and merely smiled to herself with secret and heartfelt satisfaction.