'But look,' cried Bertalda angrily, 'the water itself bubbles and heaves as though disturbed at the thought of being shut out from the glad sunshine.'
The water was indeed, as the maiden said, fretting against the stones and throwing out sudden jets as though in a violent passion.
The more excited grew the water, however, the more determined grew Undine to have her order fulfilled, and that without delay.
As for the servants, they had no wish to please the haughty Bertalda, they were even glad to disobey her when that might be.
Accordingly they no longer delayed to do the will of their gentle mistress, and the stone was soon placed securely over the opening of the fountain. Undine then bent over it and silently wrote on the top of the stone some strange letters.
That evening, when Huldbrand came home, Bertalda met him with tears in her eyes, and complained to him of his wife's strange conduct.
'Tell me why you have ordered that the fountain should be sealed,' said the knight, turning sullenly to his wife. 'It was a strange deed.'
'I will tell you the reason when we are alone,' said Undine. 'It was a grave one indeed.'
'It matters not if Bertalda should hear,' said the knight, and he did not hide the impatience that he felt.
'I will tell you in her presence if you so desire,' said Undine, 'but I beseech you, desire it not.'