human
Welcome, Mayre, she said;
gpt
It's all mighty cur'ous an' strange like, said the sailor, slowly.
human
I'd no idee you mermaids were like this, at all!
gpt
Allow me to explain that it was to correct your wrong ideas about us that led me to invite you to visit us, replied the Queen.
human
We usually pay little heed to the earth people, for we are content in our own dominions; but, of course, we know all that goes on upon your earth. So, when Princess Clia chanced to overhear your absurd statements concerning us, we were greatly amused and decided to let you see, with your own eyes, just what we are like.
gpt
I'm glad you did,
human
Now that you are here, continued the Queen, in a cordial, friendly tone,
gpt
I'm much obliged to you, ma'am, said Trot;
human
I'll arrange all that,
gpt
How?
human
I will make your mother forget the passage of time, so she will not realize how long you are away. Then she cannot worry.
gpt
Can you do that?
human
Very easily. I will send your mother into a deep sleep that will last until you are ready to return home. Just at present she is seated in her chair by the front window, engaged in knitting. The queen paused to raise an arm and wave it slowly to and fro. Then she added:
gpt
Now your good mother is asleep, little Mayre, and instead of worries I promise her pleasant dreams.
human
Won't somebody rob the house while she's asleep?
gpt
No, dear. My charm will protect the house from any intrusion.
human
That's fine!
gpt
It's jes' won-erful! said Cap'n Bill.
human
I wish I knew it was so. Trot's mother has a awful sharp tongue when she's worrited.
gpt
You may see for yourselves,
human
Are you satisfied?
gpt
Oh, yes! cried Trot.
human
But how could you do it?
gpt
It is a form of mirage, was the reply.
human
We are able to bring any earth scene before us whenever we wish. Sometimes these scenes are reflected above the water, so that mortals also observe them.
gpt
I've seen 'em, said Cap'n Bill, nodding.
human
I've seen mirages; but I never knowed what caused 'em, afore now.
gpt
Whenever you see anything you do not understand, and wish to ask questions, I will be very glad to answer them,
human
One thing that bothers me, said Trot,
gpt
That is because no water really touches you, explained the Queen.
human
Your bodies have been made just like those of the mermaids, in order that you may fully enjoy your visit to us. One of our peculiar qualities is that water is never permitted to quite touch our bodies, or our gowns. Always there remains a very small space, hardly a hair's breadth between us and the water, which is the reason we are always warm and dry.
gpt
I see, said Trot.
human
That's why you don't get soggy, or withered.
gpt
Exactly,
human
I s'pose that's how we can breathe without gills,
gpt
Yes; the air space is constantly replenished from the water, which contains air, and this enables us to breathe as freely as you do upon the earth.
human
But we have fins,
gpt
Yes; they allow us to guide ourselves as we swim, and so are very useful,
human
They make us more finished, said Cap'n Bill, with a chuckle. Then, suddenly becoming grave, he asked:
gpt
How 'bout my rheumatics, ma'am? Ain't I likely to get stiffened up with all this dampness?
human
No, indeed, Aquareine answered;