The queen began at once : ' I have been much surprised by your behaviour to Mutinosa ; she had insulted our whole race , and deserved punishment . You might forgive your own wrongs if you chose , but not those of others . You treated her very gently whilst she was with you , and I come now to avenge our wrongs on her daughter . You have ensured her being lovely and clever , and not subject to change of form , but I shall place her in an enchanted prison , which she shall never leave till she finds herself in the arms of a lover whom she herself loves . It will be my care to prevent anything of the kind happening . ' The enchanted prison was a large high tower in the midst of the sea , built of shells of all shapes and colours . The lower floor was like a great bathroom , where the water was let in or off at will . The first floor contained the princess 's apartments , beautifully furnished . On the second was a library , a large wardrobe-room filled with beautiful clothes and every kind of linen , a music room , a pantry with bins full of the best wines , and a store-room with all manner of preserves , bonbons , pastry and cakes , all of which remained as fresh as if just out of the oven . The top of the tower was laid out like a garden , with beds of the loveliest flowers , fine fruit trees , and shady arbours and shrubs , where many birds sang amongst the branches . The fairies escorted Graziella and her governess , Bonnetta , to the tower , and then mounted a dolphin which was waiting for them . At a little distance from the tower the queen waved her wand and summoned two thousand great fierce sharks , whom she ordered to keep close guard , and not to let a soul enter the tower . The good governess took such pains with Graziella 's education that when she was nearly grown up she was not only most accomplished , but a very sweet , good girl . One day , as the princess was standing on a balcony , she saw the most extraordinary figure rise out of the sea . She quickly called Bonnetta to ask her what it could be . It looked like some kind of man , with a bluish face and long sea-green hair . He was swimming towards the tower , but the sharks took no notice of him . ` It must be a merman , ' said Bonnetta . ' A man , do you say ? ' cried Graziella ; ` let us hurry down to the door and see him nearer . '
When they stood XXXXX the doorway the merman stopped to look at the princess and made many signs of admiration .
On as by for in nearer to towards whilst with