`` I 'll take care of you , Lorelei dear ; and no one shall trouble you . I hear Miss Fairbairn calling ; so I must go . Give me your hand , and do n't be afraid . '' Hand in hand the two went toward the other children , who stopped digging , and stared at the new child . Miss Fairbairn , who was very wise and good , but rather prim , stared too , and said , with surprise : `` Why , my dear , where did you find that queer child ? '' `` Down on the beach . Is n't she pretty ? '' answered Fancy , feeling very proud of her new friend . `` She has n't got any shoes on ; so she 's a beggar , and we must n't play with her , '' said one boy , who had been taught that to be poor was a very dreadful thing . `` What pretty earrings and bracelets she 's got ! '' said a little girl , who thought a great deal of her dress . `` She does n't look as if she knew much , '' said another child , who was kept studying so hard that she never had time to dig and run , and make dirt-pies , till she fell ill , and had to be sent to the sea-side . `` What 's your name ? and who are your parents ? '' asked Miss Fairbairn . `` I 've got no parents ; and my name is Lorelei , '' answered the mermaiden . `` You mean Luly ; mind your pronunciation , child , '' said Miss Fairbairn , who corrected every one she met in something or other . `` Where do you live ? '' `` I have n't got any home now , '' said Lorelei , smiling at the lady 's tone . `` Yes , you have : my home is yours ; and you are going to stay with me always , '' cried Fancy , heartily .
`` She is my little sister , Miss XXXXX : I found her ; and I 'm going to keep her , and make her happy . ''
Fairbairn Lorelei Luly bracelets children dirt-pies home mermaiden pronunciation tone