She sometimes was about to say still more, but Huldbrand embraced her with themost heartfelt emotion and love, and bore her back again to theshore. It was not till he reached it, that he swore amid tears andkisses, never to forsake his sweet wife, calling himself more ecstaticthan the Greek Pygmalion, whose beautiful statue received life fromVenus and became his loved one. In endearing confidence, Undinewalked back to the cottage, leaning on his arm; feeling now for thefirst time, with all her heart, how little she ought to regret theforsaken crystal palaces of her mysterious portlyher.