CHAPTER 4

Before the nuptial ceremony, and during its performance, Undine had shown a modest gentleness and maidenly reserve; but it now seemed as if all the wayward freaks that effervesced within her burst forth with an extravagance only the more bold and unrestrained.  She teased her bridegroom, her foster-parents, and even the priest, whom she had just now revered so highly, with all sorts of childish tricks; but when the ancient dame was about to reprove her too frolicsome spirit, the knight, in a few words, imposed silence upon her by speaking of Undine as his wife.

The knight was himself, indeed, just as little pleased with Undine’s childish behaviour as the rest; but all his looks and half-reproachful words were to no purpose.  It is true, whenever the bride observed the dissatisfaction of her husband—­and this occasionally happened—­she became more quiet, placed herself beside him, stroked his face with caressing fondness, whispered something smilingly in his ear, and in this manner smoothed the wrinkles that were gathering on his brow.  But the moment after, some wild whim would make her resume her antic movements; and all went worse than before.

The priest then spoke in a kind although serious tone:  “My fair young maiden, surely no one can look on you without pleasure; but remember betimes so to attune your soul that it may produce a harmony ever in accordance with the soul of your wedded bridegroom.”

“Soul!” cried Undine with a laugh.  “What you say has a remarkably pretty sound; and for most people, too, it may be a very instructive and profitable caution.  But when a person has no soul at all, how, I pray you, can such attuning be then possible?  And this, in truth, is just my condition.”

The priest was much hurt, but continued silent in holy displeasure, and turned away his face from the maiden in sorrow.  She, however, went up to him with the most winning sweetness, and said: 

“Nay, I entreat you first listen to me, before you are angry with me; for your anger is painful to me, and you ought not to give pain to a creature that has not hurt you.  Only have patience with me, and I will explain to you every word of what I meant.”

It was evident that she had come to say something important; when she suddenly faltered as if seized with inward shuddering, and burst into a passion of tears.  They were none of them able to understand the intenseness of her feelings; and, with mingled emotions of fear and anxiety, they gazed on her in silence.  Then, wiping away her tears, and looking earnestly at the priest, she at last said: 

“There must be something lovely, but at the same time something most awful, about a soul.  In the name of God, holy man, were it not better that we never shared a gift so mysterious?”

Again she paused, and restrained her tears, as if waiting for an answer.  All in the cottage had risen from their seats, and stepped back from her with horror.  She, however, seemed to have eyes for no one but the holy man; an awful curiosity was painted on her features, which appeared terrible to the others.