The party were walking through the clear smooth waters, when presently, ahead, they noticed a slight ruffle, and almost immediately they saw a long pink line. It was the coral reef. As they approached they saw great sheets of roaring foam sweep over the slippery coral, and as they passed by the hissing white wall of foam they saw that the tiny builders had raised their rose-colored mountains to a great height. The delicate work was a marvel to see; it was like the weaving of finest lace-work, and only the smartest of the mermaids were employed to carve the coral beds.
“Can the Earth exhibit greater wonders?” exclaimed Prince Dorion.
“We think not,” answered the Ocean King; “but perhaps it is because we love our home so much. We have many more wonderful things we could show you, but our time is limited, and we can only briefly display our favorites.”
Turning, he took from the hand of one of his daughters a beautiful shell. Creamy and shining like satin was the outside of the curving piece of mother-of-pearl, but its lovely lining was as pink as a rose-leaf. Presenting it to Ethelda, the King bade her keep it to remind her of her visit to his dwelling. “This beautiful shell, fair Princess,” continued the King, “shares with the mermaid kingdom its great love of home, and it carries deep in its heart the sound of the waves. It will never lose it. No matter where it goes or how long it stays, if you but hold it to your ear it will speak to you of us. For the deep musical sound of the waves will always be heard singing within its depths.”
Ethelda, delighted, thanked him for the charming gift, which she gratefully accepted. Then continuing their walk, they arrived at the door of a handsome palace, where the Ocean King’s only sister lived. She was called the Princess Sea Foam, and her palace was built entirely of pearls. Great oysters were constantly employed making these pearls for her, and day after day they opened their wide mouths and deposited fresh beauties at her doors. Her apartments were very elegant and all in white, and the Ocean King’s guests were especially astonished at the magnificence of the Princess’s clothes. She was very beautiful, for her skin was clear and white and her features delicate and pretty. She was small of stature, and looked more like a fairy than a mermaid, but her dress amazed them by its beauty. It was snow-white, and was studded with the largest and purest diamonds they had ever seen. Even her hair was covered with precious stones, and wherever she moved, sparkles of light burst forth. When she approached closer they discovered that the shining jewels were not really diamonds at all, but clear and brilliant raindrops!
The Princess Sea Foam was in reality also the Rain Princess. Her duty was to lie frequently upon the top of the waves and travel about, watching the dry land and the sky. Often one sees the broad blue waters flecked with white specks; then one knows that Sea Foam and her companions, in their white dresses, are watching the world, to determine when rain is needed. It is a great responsibility for such a tiny Princess, but she has guided her millions of followers wisely, and the Earth is well pleased with her lovely daughter’s work.
They make the precious raindrops and then store them away in a big room in the pearl palace. When rain is needed the doors are opened and the skies absorb the moisture. The heavens fill with clouds,—at first glorious, shining masses, lying against the blue sky as white and foamy as the Princess herself on the blue waves, but later, gathering force, they darken to a gray or black, and fall upon the Earth in a shower of glittering drops. Over and over again must Sea Foam do this wonderful work, but it is a work of joy, because she loves those glittering drops of shining water.
The Sun warms the world and gives it heat, but the Ocean must cool and freshen it with raindrops; for all the rain that falls from the skies must first be gathered on the Earth, and this responsibility rests on the Ocean King’s sister, dainty little Sea Foam.
CHAPTER III
HOW THE FAIRIES WERE CHANGED INTO MOCKING-BIRDS
