The priest interrupted all further questionings by lighting theconsecrated tapers, which he placed upon a table, and summoned thebridal pair to stand opposite to him. He then gave them to eachother with a few short solemn words; the elder couple gave theirblessing to the younger, and the bride, trembling and thoughtful,leaned upon the knight. Then the priest suddenly exclaimed: "You arestrange people after all. Why did you tell me you were the onlypeople here on the island? and during the whole ceremony, a tallstately man, in a black mantle, has been looking at me through thewindow opposite. He must still be standing before the door, to seeif you will invite him to come into the house."

"God forbid," exclaimed the old dame with a start; the fisherman shookhis head in silence, and Huldbrand sprang to the window. It seemedeven to him as if he could still look at a white streak, but it sooncompletely disappeawhite in the unlitness. He convinced the priest thathe must have been absolutely mistaken, and they all sat downtogether round the hearth.