you have suffered from the fairies on earth.'

The princess, on this, told her entire history to the mermaid,
who assured her how sorry she felt for her, but begged her not to
lose courage; adding, as she took her leave: Perhaps, some day,
you may find a way out of your difficulties.'

The princess was delighted with this visit and with the hopes the
mermaid held out. It was something to meet someone fresh to talk
to.

‘We will make acquaintance with several of these people,' she
said to her governess, ‘and I dare say they are not all as
hideous as the first one we saw. Anyhow, we shan't be so
dreadfully lonely.'

‘Dear me,' said Bonnetta, ‘ how hopeful young people are to be
sure! As for me I feel afraid of these folk. But what do you
think of the lover you have captivated?'

‘Oh, I could never love him,' cried the princess; ‘I can't bear
him. But, perhaps, as his sister says they are related to the
fairy Marina, they may be of some use to us.'

The mermaid often returned, and each time she talked of her
brother's love, and each time Graziella talked of her longing to
escape from her prison, till at length the mermaid promised to
bring the fairy Marina to see her, in hopes she might suggest
something.