Now , answer truly , Luly , where did you come from ? '' But the little mermaid only shook her head , and answered as before , `` Fancy found me on the beach , and wants me to stay with her . I 'll do her no harm : please , let me stay . '' `` She has evidently been washed ashore from some wreck , and has forgotten all about herself . Her wonderful beauty , her accent , and these ornaments show that she is some foreign child , '' said Aunt Fiction , pointing to the earrings . `` Nonsense ! my dear : those are white pebbles , not pearls ; and , if you examine them , you will find that those bracelets are the ones you gave Fancy as a reward for so well remembering the facts I told her about coral , '' said the uncle , who had turned Lorelei round and round , pinched her cheek , felt her hair , and examined her frock through the glasses which nothing escaped . `` She may stay , and be my little playmate , may n't she ? I 'll take care of her ; and we shall be very happy together , '' cried Fancy eagerly . `` One ca n't be sure of that till one has tried . You say you will take care of her : have you got any money to pay her board , and buy her clothes ? '' asked her uncle . `` No ; but I thought you 'd help me , '' answered Fancy wistfully . `` Never say you 'll do a thing till you are sure you can , '' said Uncle Fact , as he took notes of the affair , thinking they might be useful by and by . `` I 've no objection to your keeping the girl , if , after making inquiries about her , she proves to be a clever child . She can stay awhile ; and , when we go back to town , I 'll put her in one of our charity schools , where she can be taught to earn her living . Can you read , Luly ? '' `` No , '' said the mermaid , opening her eyes . `` Can you write and cipher ? '' `` What is that ? ''
asked XXXXX innocently .
Fact Lorelei Luly affair bracelets girl hair notes ornaments playmate