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 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 XXXXX help your Highness . '
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