"Very well," said her father. "I believe we have stayed with these deep-sea creatures long enough. We will go out through the secret door, the way we came in."
And so, in a few moments, they were all standing in the bright sunshine looking out over the deep blue water which was the home of so many strange and interesting creatures.
"Have we really been 'way down under that deep water, father?" asked Molly. "Or was it just a fish museum that we were in?"
"That is a good name for it," said her father. "We have been in an aquarium. Many of the fish that are caught alive in the Mediterranean Sea are brought to this aquarium, so people may study and enjoy them."
"I feel as if I had really and truly been to the bottom of the sea," said Molly. "I am glad I am not a fish. I should much rather be a little girl and have a ride in that goat cart. Those Italian children have just had a ride. See, they are each paying the man a penny. O sir! Please may we ride next?"
May shook the reins and away they went
"And please may I drive the goats?" asked May. "I know how to drive my pony."
In another moment Molly and May were climbing into the small cart. May then shook the reins and away they went, with the man following close behind them.
They passed groups of jolly boys and girls playing marbles, spinning tops, or rolling hoops. They were clean, well-dressed children, not ragged and poor like so many children Molly and May had seen in other parts of the city.