Whatever satisfaction her previous firmness in refusing to follow the Angel might have afforded hers it was not sufficient to enable her to overcome her dread of the Hurricane.

The sky gradually grew blacker, heavy vapours arose from the depths of the abyss, a dull sound closely resembling distant peals of thunder re-echoed among the deep gorges of the mountains, and poor little Ilsee was ready to die from fright.

She could scarcely breathe in the heavy and sulphurous air which suddenly blew in her face.

All at once, behold! a ray of light, though a very pale one, pierced through the dark night; the poor little frightened stream raised her eyes and perceived a large gloomy-looking man standing before her; he was wrapped in a great red mantle, and made a low bow to the little princess, whom he accosted as "Most gracious Princess."

Such a salutation was like sweet music to the ears of Ilsee; - so, conquering the fear which this strange and sinister-looking figure aroused within her, she eagerly listened to the seductive words in which he further addressed her.

The dark man continued, "I live in.

this neighbourhood, hidden from sight behind these rocks, I overheard your conversation with the Angel, and I witnessed with pleasure the manner in which you dismissed him.

I really cannot understand how any one could wish so adorable a princess to descend into the plain, and thus bury so many exquisite charms and graces in the obscurity of a valley."

He afterwards described in the most glowing terms, the brilliant future that awaited her, if she would but commit herself to his care.

"I have," said he, "a delightful summer palace, situated on one of the highest and most beautiful of the German mountains, and it is there that I wish to conduct you.

In that charming abode you will be surrounded by a brilliant court, and all the splendour and eclat suited to your high rank.

You will there be enthroned in the midst of joy and pleasures far above all those assigned to the large and small waters of the earth."