Go out, workmen, and see to it." The knight, however, highly resenting her impertinence, said, in brief and very decisive terms: "The stone remains where it is!" He reproved Bertalda also for the vehemence that she had shown towards his wife.
Whereupon the workmen, smiling with secret satisfaction, withdrew; while Bertalda, pale with rage, hurried away to her room.
When the hour of supper came, Bertalda was waited for in vain.

They sent for her; but the domestic found her apartments empty, and brought back with him only a sealed letter, addressed to the knight.

He opened it in alarm, and read: "I feel with shame that I am only the daughter of a poor fisherman.

That I for one moment forgot this, I will make expiation in the miserable hut of my parents.

Farewell to you and your beautiful wife!" Undine was troubled at heart.