Then she looked up , and saw a strange little girl standing by her , who smiled , showing teeth like little pearls , and said , in the breezy voice : `` You wanted me to play with you , so I came . '' `` Who are you ? '' asked Fancy , wondering where she had seen the child before . `` I 'm your mermaid , '' said the child . `` 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 XXXXX ? ''
German Lorelei bracelets eyes figure hair lips sea water-child wreath