Fancy kept Lorelei close beside her ; and as soon as they reached the great hotel , where they all were staying with mothers and fathers , uncles or aunts , she took her to kind Aunt Fiction , who was interested at once in the friendless child so mysteriously found . She was satisfied with the little she could discover , and promised to keep her , -- for a time , at least . `` We can imagine all kinds of romantic things about her ; and , by and by , some interesting story may be found out concerning her . 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 XXXXX as before , `` Fancy found me on the beach , and wants me to stay with her .
answered change claiming decided exaggerate laid married pretends said stay