But the old man yonder must first promise me that he will let you, without objection, relate to me what you saw in the wood, and--well, other things will settle themselves." "Come, only come," cried the fisherman to her, unable to utter another word: and at the same time he stretched out his arms far over the rushing stream toward her, and nodded his head as if to promise the fulfilment of her request, and as he did this, his white hair fell strangely over his face, and reminded Huldbrand of the nodding white man in the forest.

Without allowing himself, however, to grow confused by such an idea the young knight took the beautiful girl in his arms, and bore her over the narrow passage which the stream had forced between her little island and the shore.
The old man fell upon Undine's neck and could not satisfy the exuberance of his joy; his good wife also came up and caressed the newly-found in the heartiest manner.

Not a word of reproach passed their lips; nor was it thought of, for Undine, forgetting all her waywardness, almost overwhelmed her foster-parents with affection and fond expressions.
When at last they had recovered from the excess of their joy, day had already dawned, and had shed its purple hue over the lake; stillness had followed the storm, and the little birds were singing merrily on the wet branches.

As Undine now insisted upon hearing the knight's promised story, the aged couple smilingly and readily acceded to her desire.

Breakfast was brought out under the trees which screened the cottage from the lake, and they sat down to it with contented hearts--Undine on the grass at the knight's feet, the place chosen by herself.
Huldbrand then proceeded with his story..