“I wish he wouldn’t go near the coast,” said the older sister, wistfully.
“So do I,” said the younger; “I’m afraid for him. But, sister, now honestly, don’t you wish you could see a human creature near enough to speak to?”
“No, not I,” said the elder, who had less of the family traits than any of her relations; “I wish you wouldn’t say such silly things.”
Just as the young merman was going out of the front door, he met a huge lobster coming into it, and without ringing. The young merman felt that this was a liberty in the lobster, and was sure that his grandfather would not be pleased.
“Hadn’t you better go round to the back door?” he said, quietly.
Now the lobster was no less than the old Witch of the Sea in disguise.
“Round to the back door indeed!” shrieked the lobster. “Do you know who I am, young man?”
“I beg your pardon,” said the young merman; “I had no idea you were any one in particular. The servant will admit you if you wish to see the professor.”
“I do,” said the lobster, in a huff, “but I won’t;” and she turned round and swam away.
The professor saw her out of the window. He knew who it was well enough, but he did not like the Witch of the Sea. He thought females had no business to study magic, and he said she practiced her art in a most irregular manner. Moreover, she could do two or three things which he couldn’t, so he naturally held her in contempt.