Page 223 - Adventures in shadow-land

“ Is that you?” called the merman when the

song was done.
Just over the hedge was a little arbor covered

with trailing sea-plants. As the merman spoke,
two little white hands parted the broad crimson

leaves of a dulse that hung over the door* then
there swam out one of the loveliest mermaids in
the whole sea. Her yellow hair shone like gold,

and was full two yards long as it trailed on the
water, for mermaids never wear their hair any

other way* Her complexion was like the inside
of a pink-and-white shell* and her eyes were like
two clear, still pools of water, they were so pure

and deep. As for the mer part of her> the dol­
phin's tail, I declare it was only an additional

beauty, she managed it so gracefully. I can’ t begin
to tell you how beautiful she was. She was a very
intimate friend of the merman's sister, and he had

known her all his life— ever since they used to
chase the fishes round the garden and in and out

or the rocks, and make baby-houses together.
Where are you going?" said the mermaid to
the merman.

et Only North a little for my vacation trip."
5 T>