Louise made a low curtsey, finding it much easier now that she was
a mermaid to perform this little act of graciousness on account of
the flexibility of her tail.

Legs, of course, are indispensable for walking; but, then, in these
days of new inventions, when the air is invaded by wing, and the
earth traversed by wheels, and the depths of the waters by mechanical
fins, walking may soon become a lost art! Something like this may
have flitted through her mind, but she only answered in a trembling
voice, "How do you do, Your Majesty!"

"You are welcome, 'Mermaid Mary,' to our Kingdom of the Sea," he
replied. "I hope you will enjoy your stay with us." So saying, he
gallantly lifted his gold crown as little Mary Louise made another
curtsey.

"Let us dress for dinner," said the mermaid.

They swam quickly upstairs between two balustrades of lovely coral
to her bedroom.

It was just like fairy-land; at least, it seemed so to little Mary
Louise, as she looked about the pretty room. In one corner stood a
beautiful bed of mother-of-pearl, hung with varied colored sea grass
for curtains. Sea moss made it as soft as down. In fact, it seemed
almost softer to Mary Louise, who by this time was very sleepy. She
rested her tired little body upon the cushions and in a few short
seconds was sound asleep. The princess mermaid looked at her with
loving eyes, while she sang very low and sweetly: