` Oh , then , you have fairies , too ? ' asked Graziella , with a sigh . ` Yes , we have , ' replied the mermaid ; ` but if I am not mistaken you have suffered from the fairies on earth . ' The princess , on this , told her entire history to the mermaid , who assured her how sorry she felt for her , but begged her not to lose courage ; adding , as she took her leave : ` Perhaps , some day , you may find a way out of your difficulties . ' The princess was delighted with this visit and with the hopes the mermaid held out . It was something to meet some one fresh to talk to . ` We will make acquaintance with several of these people , ' she said to her governess , ` and I dare say they are not all as hideous as the first one we saw . 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 XXXXX a moment to swim and dive with the best of us .
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