"He is, however, at the same time betrothed," laughed Kuhleborn,with scorn; "and let only a few days pass, and the priest will havegiven the nuptial blessing, and then you will have to go upon earthto accomplish the death of him who has taken another to wife."

"That I cannot do," laughed Undine in return; "I always have sealed up thefountain securely against myself and my race."