of the life beneath the surface of our sea."

"I am," answered Trot, looking admiringly at the beautiful face of
the queen.

"It's all mighty cur'ous an' strange-like," said the sailor slowly.
"I'd no idee you mermaids were like this, at all!"

"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. "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."

"I'm glad you did," answered Cap'n Bill, dropping his eyes in some
confusion as he remembered his former description of the mermaids.

"Now that you are here," continued the Queen in a cordial, friendly
tone, "you may as well remain with us a few days and see the
wonderful sights of our ocean."

"I'm much obliged to you, ma'am," said Trot, "and I'd like to stay
ever so much, but mother worries jus' dreadfully if we don't get
home in time."

"I'll arrange all that," said Aquareine with a smile.

"How?" asked the girl.

"I will make your mother forget the passage of time so she will not
realize how long you are away. Then she cannot worry."

"Can you do that?" inquired Trot.

"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, "Now your good mother is asleep, little Mayre, and instead of
worries I promise her pleasant dreams."

"Won't someone rob the house while she's asleep?" asked the child
anxiously.

"No, dear. My charm will protect the house from any intrusion."

"That's fine!" exclaimed Trot in delight.

"It's jes' won-erful!" said Cap'n Bill. "I wish I knew it was so.
Trot's mother has a awful sharp tongue when she's worried."

"You may see for yourselves," declared the Queen, and waved her hand
again. At once they saw before them the room in the cottage, with
Mayre's mother asleep by the window. Her knitting was in her lap,
and the cat lay curled up beside her chair. It was all so natural
that Trot thought she could hear the clock over the fireplace tick.
After a moment the scene faded away, w