`` 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 Lorelei innocently . `` Dear me ! what ignorance ! '' cried Uncle Fact . `` Can you sew , or tend babies ? '' asked Aunt Fiction gently . `` I can do nothing but play and sing , and comb my hair . '' `` I see ! I see ! -- some hand-organ man 's girl . Well , I 'm glad you keep your hair smooth , -- that 's more than Fancy does , '' said Uncle Fact . `` Let us hear you sing , '' whispered his little niece ; and , in a voice as musical as the sound of ripples breaking on the shore , Lorelei sung a little song that made Fancy dance with delight , charmed Aunt Fiction , and softened Uncle Fact 's hard face in spite of himself . `` Very well , very well , indeed : you have a good voice . I 'll see that you have proper teaching ; and , by and by , you can get your living by giving singing-lessons , '' he said , turning over the leaves of his book , to look for the name of a skilful teacher ; for he had lists of every useful person , place , and thing under the sun .
XXXXX laughed at the idea ; and Fancy thought singing for gold , not love , a hard way to get one 's living .
Fiction Lorelei Luly book girl hair inquiries living objection singing-lessons