"Presently," said my big sister. "You two go on and order a big
tea at the farm, and by the time it's ready- "

"You can't have tea like that," I said. "There'll be a row."

In the dead silence that followed this remark, the Mermaid rose
and brushed the sand from her dress.

I went up to Daphne and kissed her.

"Don't think I'm not proud of you, darling, and Jill looks
lovely, too, but they wouldn't stand it, you know."

No one stirred except the Mermaid, and she, obedient to the
instructions I had given her, strolled naturally enough towards
the path up the cliff. The other four were looking at me
straitly- I could feel their gaze- wondering whether, whether I
knew.

I shaded my eyes with my hand and stared seawards.

"Do dress," I said absently.

"We shall dress when we want to," said Daphne sharply.

I turned to see the Mermaiden reach the path. A good start is
everything.

"If you really mean that," I said slowly, "I'll send your other
clothes back again. "Then I raised my voice: