Another great wave came rolling in ; but she did not look up to see it break , and , a minute after , she heard steps tripping toward her over the sand . Still she did not stir ; for , just then , none of her playmates could take the place of her new friend , and she did n't want to see them . `` Fancy ! Fancy ! '' called a breezy voice , sweeter than any she had ever heard . But she did not raise her head , nor care to know who called . The steps came quite close ; and the touch of a cold , wet hand fell on her own . 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 XXXXX , drawing near , `` you are my little mermaid ; but how does it happen that you come to me at last ? ''
Fancy care figure hand look neck place shells wave waves