124 Lily and W ater-Lily.

sovereign of these Rhéne waters only. Nay, wherever
the lilies blow that thou didst so rashly pluck to-night,
there am I mistress. When we are wed thou wilt not
need to dwell here in this narrow valley where thou
hast ever dwelt. Wecan roam; thou shalt see the
world ; thou shalt know the haunts of all men ; for
sometimes,” added she tenderly, “I will permit thee
to return a while to earth. I shall not be afraid, for I
shall know that thou wilt ever love Nerina best, and
that not for the love of thy life alone wouldst thou
return to her, that thou mayst keep it.”

“ Then, if I should return to earth for ever, it would
be to die,’ murmured Michael.

“ Ay, without a doubt were it so,” replied Nerina,
laughing. “Thy punishment is death. It is I alone
who can save thee ; and wherefore should I save thee
alive if thou goest from me, and I may not see thee
more? The old fairy told me that they who love,
love for their own delight,” added she, pausing to
consider, with a pretty look of grave pondering on
her careless face; “and truly I feel that they are