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All about the room were grouped other mother-of-pearl couches, not raised like

that of the queen, and upon each of these reclined a pretty mermaid. They could

not sit down as we do, Trot readily understood, because of their tails; but they

rested very gracefully upon the couches with their trailing gauzy robes arranged

in fleecy folds.

When Clia and Merla escorted the strangers down the length of the great room

toward the royal throne, they met with pleasant looks and smiles on every side,

for the sea maidens were too polite to indulge in curious stares. They paused just

before the throne, and the queen raised her head upon one elbow to observe

them. "Welcome, Mayre," she said, "and welcome, Cap'n Bill. I trust you are

pleased with your glimpse of the life beneath the surface of our sea."

I am," answered Trot, looking admiringly at the beautiful face of the queen.

It's all mighty cur'ous an' strange-like," said the sailor slowly. "I'd no idee you

mermaids were like this, at all!"

Allow me to explain that it was to correct your wrong ideas about us that led me

to invite you to visit us," replied the Queen. "We usually pay little heed to the

earth people, for we are content in our own dominions; but, of course, we know

all that goes on upon your earth. So when Princess Clia chanced to overhear your

absurd statements concerning us, we were greatly amused and decided to let you

see with your own eyes just what we are like."

"I'm glad you did," answered Cap'n Bill, dropping his eyes in some confusion as

he remembered his former description of the mermaids.

"Now that you are here," continued the Queen in a cordial, friendly tone, "you

may as well remain with us a few days and see the wonderful sights of our

ocean."

"I'm much obliged to you, ma'am," said Trot, "and I'd like to stay ever so much,

but mother worries jus' dreadfully if we don't get home in time."

I'll arrange all that," said Aquareine with a smile.

How?" asked the girl.

I will make your mother forget the passage of time so she will not realize how

long you are away. Then she cannot worry."

"Can you do that?" inquired Trot.

"Very easily. I will send your mother into a deep sleep that will last until you are

ready to return home. Just at present she is seated in her chair by the front

The Sea Fairies