As soon as she was gone Graziella told her governess what she had
said. Bonnetta was not at all pleased at the turn matters were
taking, for she did not fancy being turned into a mermaid in her
old age. She thought the matter well over, and this was what she
did. She was a very clever artist, and next morning she began to
paint a picture of a handsome young man, with beautiful curly
hair, a fine complexion, and lovely blue eyes. When it was
finished she showed it to Graziella, hoping it would show her the
difference there was between a fine young man and her marine
suitor.

The princess was much struck by the picture, and asked anxiously
whether there could be any man so good looking in the world.
Bonnetta assured her that there were plenty of them; indeed, many
far handsomer.

‘I can hardly believe that,' cried the princess; ‘but, alas! If
there are, I don't suppose I shall ever see them or they me, so
what is the use? Oh, dear, how unhappy I am!'

She spent the rest of the day gazing at the picture, which
certainly had the effect of spoiling all the merman's hopes or
prospects.

After some days, the fairy Marina came back to hear what was
decided; but Graziella hardly paid any attention to her, and
showed such dislike to the idea of the proposed marriage that the
fairy went off in a regular huff.