I can hardly believe that , ' cried the princess ; ` but , alas ! if there are , I do n't suppose I shall ever see them or they me , so what is the use ? Oh , dear , how unhappy I am ! ' She spent the rest of the day gazing at the picture , which certainly had the effect of spoiling all the merman 's hopes or prospects . After some days , the fairy Marina came back to hear what was decided ; but Graziella hardly paid any attention to her , and showed such dislike to the idea of the proposed marriage that the fairy went off in a regular huff . Without knowing it , the princess had made another conquest . On board the ship which had sailed so near was the handsomest prince in the world . He had heard of the enchanted tower , and determined to get as near it as he could . He had strong glasses on board , and whilst looking through them he saw the princess quite clearly , and fell desperately in love with her at once . He wanted to steer straight for the tower and to row off to it in a small boat , but his entire crew fell at his feet and begged him not to run such a risk . The captain , too , urged him not to attempt it . ` You will only lead us all to certain death , ' he said . ` Pray anchor nearer land , and I will then seek a kind fairy I know , who has always been most obliging to me , and who will , I am sure , try to help your Highness . ' The prince rather unwillingly listened to reason . He landed at the nearest point , and sent off the captain in all haste to beg the fairy 's advice and help . Meantime he had a tent pitched on the shore , and spent all his time gazing at the tower and looking for the princess through his spy-glass . After a few days the captain came back , bringing the fairy with him . The prince was delighted to see her , and paid her great attention . ' I have heard about this matter , ' she said ; ` and , to lose no time , I am going to send off a trusty pigeon to test the enchantment . If there is any weak spot he is sure to find it out and get in .
I shall bid him bring a flower back as a sign of success , and if he does so I quite hope to get you XXXXX too . '
If On Without about as for in nearer of that