Anyhow , we sha n't be so dreadfully lonely . ' ` Dear me , ' said Bonnetta , ` how hopeful young people are to be sure ! As for me I feel afraid of these folk . But what do you think of the lover you have captivated ? ' ` Oh , I could never love him , ' cried the princess ; ' I ca n't bear him . But , perhaps , as his sister says they are related to the fairy Marina , they may be of some use to us . ' The mermaid often returned , and each time she talked of her brother 's love , and each time Graziella talked of her longing to escape from her prison , till at length the mermaid promised to bring the fairy Marina to see her , in hopes she might suggest something . Next day the fairy came with the mermaid , and the princess received her with delight . After a little talk she begged Graziella to show her the inside of the tower and let her see the garden on the top , for with the help of crutches she could manage to move about , and being a fairy could live out of water for a long time , provided she wetted her forehead now and then . Graziella gladly consented , and Bonnetta stayed below with the mermaid . When they were in the garden the fairy said : ` Let us lose no time , but tell me how I can be of use to you . ' Graziella then told all her story and Marina replied : ` My dear princess , I can do nothing for you as regards dry land , for my power does not reach beyond my own element . I can only say that if you will honour my cousin by accepting his hand , you could then come and live amongst us . I could teach you in a moment to swim and dive with the best of us . I can harden your skin without spoiling its colour . My cousin is one of the best matches in the sea , and I will bestow so many gifts on him that you will be quite happy . ' The fairy talked so well and so long that the princess was rather impressed , and promised to think the matter over . Just as they were going to leave the garden they saw a ship sailing nearer the tower than any other had done before . On the deck lay a young man under a splendid awning , gazing at the tower through a spy-glass ; but before they could see anything clearly the ship moved away , and the two ladies parted , the fairy promising to return shortly . As soon as she was gone Graziella told her governess what she had said .
Bonnetta was not at all pleased at the turn matters were taking , XXXXX she did not fancy being turned into a mermaid in her old age .
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