They enjoyed their present blessings in perfect security, and now imagined that life could produce nothing but pleasant flowers and fruits.
In this happiness winter came and passed away; and spring, with its foliage of tender green, and its heaven of softest blue, succeeded to gladden the hearts of the three inmates of the castle.

The season was in harmony with their minds, and their minds imparted their own hues to the season.

What wonder, then, that its storks and swallows inspired them also with a disposition to travel?
On a bright morning, while they were wandering down to one of the sources of the Danube, Huldbrand spoke of the magnificence of this noble stream, how it continued swelling as it flowed through countries enriched by its waters, with what splendour Vienna rose and sparkled on its banks, and how it grew lovelier and more imposing throughout its progress.
"It must be glorious to trace its course down to Vienna!" Bertalda exclaimed, with warmth; but immediately resuming the humble and modest demeanour she had recently shown, she paused and blushed in silence.
This much moved Undine; and with the liveliest wish to gratify her friend, she said, "What hinders our taking this little voyage ?" Bertalda leapt up with delight, and the two friends at the same moment began painting this enchanting voyage on the Danube in the most brilliant colours.

Huldbrand, too, agreed to the project with pleasure; only he once whispered, with something of alarm, in Undine's ear-- "But at that distance Kuhleborn becomes possessed of his power again!" "Let him come, let him come," she answered with a laugh; "I shall be there, and he dares do none of his mischief in my presence." Thus was the last impediment removed.

They prepared for the expedition, and soon set out upon it with lively spirits and the brightest hopes.
But be not surprised, O man, if events almost always happen very differently from what you expect.