有声英语儿童童话故事 海的女儿 第29章

He fixed his coal-black eyes uponher so earnestly that she cast down her own and then became aware that herfish’s tail was gone and that she had as pretty a pair of white legs and tinyfeet as any little maiden could have. But she had no clothes, so she wrappedherself in her long, thick hair. The prince asked her who she was and whenceshe came. She looked at him mildly and sorrowfully with her deep blue eyes, butcould not speak. He took her by the hand and led her to the palace.

Every step she took was as thewitch had said it would be; she felt as if she were treading upon the points ofneedles or sharp knives. She bore it willingly, however, and moved at theprince’s side as lightly as a bubble, so that he and all who saw her wonderedat her graceful, swaying movements. She was very soon arrayed in costly robesof silk and muslin and was the most beautiful creature in the palace; but shewas dumb and could neither speak nor sing.