This made him angry , and he would n't believe it for an instant ; but told her it was impossible , and she must say something else . Lorelei could say nothing else , and wept bitterly when he would not listen ; so he locked her up and went to Fancy , who felt as if something dreadful was going to happen when she saw his face . He told her all he knew , and insisted that Lorelei was foolish or naughty to persist in such a ridiculous story . `` But , uncle , I really did make a mermaid ; and she really did come alive , for I saw the figure float away , and then Lorelei appeared , '' said Fancy , very earnestly . `` It 's very likely you made a figure , and called it a mermaid : it would be just the sort of thing you 'd do , '' said her uncle . `` But it is impossible that any coming alive took place , and I wo n't hear any such nonsense . You did n't see this girl come out of the water ; for she says you never looked up , till she touched you . She was a real child , who came over the beach from somewhere ; and you fancied she looked like your figure , and believed the silly tale she told you . It is my belief that she is a sly , bad child ; and the sooner she is sent away the better for you . '' Uncle Fact was so angry and talked so loud , that Fancy felt frightened and bewildered ; and began to think he might be right about the mermaid part , though she hated to give up the little romance . `` If I agree that she is a real child , wo n't you let her stay , uncle ? '' she said , forgetting that , if she lost her faith , her friend was lost also . `` Ah ! then you have begun to come to your senses , have you ? and are ready to own that you do n't believe in mermaids and such rubbish ? '' cried Uncle Fact , stopping in his tramp up and down the room . `` Why , if you say there never were and never can be any , I suppose I must give up my fancy ; but I 'm sorry , '' sighed the child . `` That 's my sensible girl ! Now , think a minute , my dear , and you will also own that it is best to give up the child as well as the mermaid , '' said her uncle briskly . `` Oh !
no : we love one another ; and she is good , and I ca n't XXXXX her up , '' cried Fancy .
'm 's called felt give insisted listen told went wept