You say you will take care of her : have you got any money to pay her board , and buy her clothes ? '' asked her uncle . `` No ; but I thought you 'd help me , '' answered Fancy wistfully . `` Never say you 'll do a thing till you are sure you can , '' said Uncle Fact , as he took notes of the affair , thinking they might be useful by and by . `` I 've no objection to your keeping the girl , if , after making inquiries about her , she proves to be a clever child . She can stay awhile ; and , when we go back to town , I 'll put her in one of our charity schools , where she can be taught to earn her living . Can you read , Luly ? '' `` No , '' said the mermaid , opening her eyes . `` Can you write and cipher ? '' `` What is that ? '' asked Lorelei innocently . `` Dear me ! what ignorance ! '' cried Uncle Fact . `` Can you sew , or tend babies ? '' asked Aunt Fiction gently . `` I can do nothing but play and sing , and comb my hair . '' `` I see ! I see ! -- some hand-organ man 's girl .
Well , I 'm glad you keep your hair smooth , -- that 's more than Fancy does , '' XXXXX Uncle Fact .
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