"But the water carried her away," cried Fancy.
"The waves only carried me out for the sea to give me life, and then brought me back to you," answered the new comer.
"But are you really a mermaid?" asked Fancy, beginning to smile and believe.
"I am really the one you made: look, and see if I'm not;" and the little creature turned slowly round, that Fancy might be sure it was her own work.
She certainly was very like the figure that once lay on the sand,—only she was not now made of stones and shells. There was the long brown hair blowing about her face, with a wreath of starry shells in it. Her eyes were gray, her cheeks and lips rosy, her neck and arms white; and from under her striped dress peeped little bare feet. She had pearls in her ears, coral bracelets, a golden belt, and a glass and comb in her hands.
"Yes," said Fancy, drawing near, "you are my little mermaid; but how does it happen that you come to me at last?"
"Dear friend," answered the water-child, "you believed in me, watched and waited long for me, shaped the image of the thing you wanted out of your dearest treasures, and promised to love and welcome me. I could not help coming; and the sea, that is as fond of you as you are of it, helped me to grant your wish."
"Oh, I'm glad, I'm glad! Dear little mermaid, what is your name?" cried Fancy, kissing the cool cheek of her new friend, and putting her arms about her neck.
"Call me by my German cousin's pretty name,—Lorelei," answered the mermaid, kissing back as warmly as she could.
"Will you come home and live with me, dear Lorelei?" asked Fancy, still holding her fast.
