I can make her useful in many ways ; and she shall stay . '' As Aunt Fiction laid her hand on the mermaid 's head , as if claiming her for her own , Uncle Fact came stalking in , with his note-book in his hand , and his spectacles on his nose . Now , though they were married , these two persons were very unlike . Aunt Fiction was a graceful , picturesque woman ; who told stories charmingly , wrote poetry and novels , was very much beloved by young folks , and was the friend of some of the most famous people in the world . Uncle Fact was a grim , grave , decided man ; whom it was impossible to bend or change . He was very useful to every one ; knew an immense deal ; and was always taking notes of things he saw and heard , to be put in a great encyclopædia he was making . He did n't like romance , loved the truth , and wanted to get to the bottom of every thing . He was always trying to make little Fancy more sober , well-behaved , and learned ; for she was a freakish , dreamy , yet very lovable and charming child . Aunt Fiction petted her to her heart 's content , and might have done her harm , if Uncle Fact had not had a hand in her education ; for the lessons of both were necessary to her , as to all of us . `` Well , well , well ! who is this ? '' he said briskly , as he turned his keen eyes and powerful glasses on the new comer . Aunt Fiction told him all the children had said ; but he answered impatiently : `` Tut , tut ! my dear : I want the facts of the case . You are apt to exaggerate ; and Fancy is not to be relied on . If the child is n't a fool , she must know more about herself than she pretends . Now , answer truly , Luly , where did you come from ? '' But the little mermaid only shook her head , and answered as before , `` Fancy found me on the beach , and wants me to stay with her . I 'll do her no harm : please , let me stay . '' `` She has evidently been washed ashore from some wreck , and has forgotten all about herself .
Her wonderful beauty , her accent , and these ornaments show that she is some foreign child , '' XXXXX Aunt Fiction , pointing to the earrings .
bend come decided know let put said stay told wrote