Lionel Dacre's glance followed hers.
"I know what you are thinking of," he said--"Miss Lillian is a
perfect Undine. I can fancy her, with clasped hands and sad
eyes, standing between the knight and Bertha, or rising with
shadowy robes from the open fountain."
"It is a beautiful creation," said Beatrice, gently. "Lillian
would be an ideal Undine--she is just as gentle, as fair, as
true. I am like Bertha, I suppose; at least I know I prefer my
own way and my own will."
"You should give some good artist a commission to paint a
picture," said Lord Airlie. "Choose the scene in the boat
Undine bending over the water, a dreamy expression on her fair
face; Bertha sitting by the knight, proud, bright, and half
scornful of her companion. Imagine the transparent water
Undine's little hand half lost in it, and the giant fingers
clasping hers. I wonder that an artist has never painted that
scene."
"Who would do for the knight?" said Beatrice. "Lillian and I
will never dispute over a knight."
"Artists would find some difficulty in that picture," said
Lillian. "How could one clothe a beautiful ideal like Undine?
Sweeping robes and waving plumes might suit Bertha; but how could
one depict Undine?"
"The knight is the difficulty," laughed Lionel.
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