other across the pond, before she saw something swimming close beside her.
Lulu looked down, and what do you think she saw? Well, you might guess,
but then again, you might not, so I'll tell you. It was a gold fish.

Oh, it was such a beautiful gold fish, with red and silvery spots and
streaks, and a long, feathery tail that looked like lace in the water.

"Hello!" exclaimed Lulu; "I didn't know you lived here."

"Oh, yes," answered the fish. "I have lived here for some time, but, you
see, during the cold weather I stay down in the mud. However, as it is now
spring, I have come up, and I am going to play around all summer."

"That's nice," remarked Lulu. "What's your name?"

"My name is Fannie Tail," replied the fish. "You see I got that name
because my tail is shaped like a fan, but most persons just call me Fan
Tail. You may, if you like."

"All right," agreed Lulu. "I will. My name is Lulu, but you may call me
Lu, if you wish."

"Good," answered the fish, turning a double somersault in the water and
wiggling her right fin as if trying to shake hands. "Now we are well
acquainted. And may I ask where you are going?"

So Lulu told the fish girl about having to go to the store, and Fan seemed
quite pleased to hear it. The two swam on together for some distance, the
fish just under the water and Lulu on top. Pretty soon Lulu asked Fan
where she was going, and the gold fish replied: