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 , for she did not fancy being turned into a mermaid in her old age . She thought the matter well over , and this was what she did . She was a very clever artist , and next morning she began to paint a picture of a handsome young man , with beautiful curly hair , a fine complexion , and lovely blue eyes . When it was finished she showed it to Graziella , hoping it would show her the difference there was between a fine young man and her marine suitor . The princess was much struck by the picture , and asked anxiously whether there could be any man so good-looking in the world . Bonnetta assured her that there were plenty of them ; indeed , many far handsomer . ' 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 XXXXX 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 .
On as at by for if nearer of to under