"How do you know how pebbles feel?" Hilda asked.
"Oh, sometimes the nereids come and bother us; they throw pebbles and stir up the water so we cannot see."
"Who are the nereids?" asked Hilda.
"They are the sea-nymphs; but we make the dogfish drive them away. We are sirens, and they are very jealous of us because we are more beautiful than they," said the mermaid.
Hilda thought she was rather conceited, but the little mermaid seemed to be quite unconscious she had conveyed that impression.
"How do you find your way home after you have been at the top of the ocean?" asked Hilda.
"Oh, when Father Neptune counts us and finds any missing he sends a whale to spout; sometimes he sends more than one, and we know where to dive when we see that."
"What do you eat besides seaweed sandwiches?" asked Hilda.
"Fish eggs, and very little fish," answered the mermaid. "When we have a party we have cake."
Hilda opened her eyes. "Where do you get cake?" she asked.