The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-20

much she knew of the wonders of the
 wonderful deep
 In the moonlight night, when all were
 asleep except the steersman at the helm,
 she sat on the gunwale of the gliding | ship and gazed gazed with all her eyes, l downward into the dark water. She thought that she could see her fathers palace, and in the uppermost part of it her grandmother, with the silver crown on her head, peerlng upward through the turbulent current made by the ship.
 All at once her five sisters arose from the sea They stared at her, wild with grief wringing their white hands. NShe
 beckoned to tffem and wanted to tell them that she was happy; but the ships boy came along the deck and the sisters dived down. The boy saw the silver 1 sheen of their veils. but he had land. eyes, and he thought that what he saw was only the lacelike foam of the moon- lit sea.
 1 The following morning the ship sailed into a radiant harbor, where there stood the stately city of the King whom the I Prince was to visit All the bells were l ringing from all the lofty towers trum- pets were exulting, banners were flying gorgeously, and the weapons of soldiers 1 glittered in the sun.
 There followed many days of festi- l val Every day there was someth ing new and magnificent. Celebration sue I ceeded celebration, but the Princess did not appear.
 At last. however, the people said that she was coming. She was being brought from far away, said they; from holy temple where she had been I taught every royal virtue. When she arrived at last the little ! mermaid hastened to see her that she might learn if she really was as beau tiful as men said she was. She had to acknowledge that report had. in- deed, been truthful A more lovely being had never been seen, thought the mermaid. Her skin was so perfect and so clear and from behind her long, dark eyelashes shone a pair of blue eyes that were full of faithfulness and loyal goodness.
 "It is she" cried the Prince, his voice ringing with great joy. Tt Is she who saved my life when l lay like a corpse on the hore!" It was she, and the two young things looked at each other and then they ran to each oth er's arms. quite forgetful of all beholders quite for getful of everything except youth and I love.
 "Oh, am far too happy!'' said the Prince to the little mermaid. My highest wish that which 1 dared not to hope has been made true! You will rejoice at my happiness, dear little one, for I know that you love me-" 'The little mermaid knelt and kissed his hand. She felt her heart -h eavy as if it were breaking already His wedding morning would bring death, endless death, to her and change her into foam on the sea.
 Again all the bells rang and all the trumpets blared and heralds rode gaudily around the streets proclaim ing the betrothal. On all the altars famed costly oils in silver lamps. The priests swung jars of incense and the bride and bridegroom joined hands and were blessed by the old white bishop.
 The little mermaid, splendidly robbed In silk and gold, stood behind the bride, holding her great train. Her ears did not hear the noble music and her eyes diG not see the majestic ceremony. She was thinking of the approaching night that meant death to her. Her poor heart nearly burst with desolation and loss And she trembled with terror at the thought of how she must vanish into