But while the guests were enchanted with so much splendor, the King explained that to the mermaid kingdom these heaps of diamonds and emeralds and rubies were really not worth a single piece of coral; for at these huge coral beds in the bottom of the sea the baby mermaids received their education. They were taught to swim and play games and amuse themselves, and later they lent their deft fingers to build and carve those exquisite mountains of the sea. When the Moon maidens saw the coral beds, they too shared the mermaids’ belief. The party were walking through the clear smooth waters, when presently, ahead, they noticed a slight ruffle, and almost immediately they saw a long pink line. It was the coral reef. As they approached they saw great sheets of roaring foam sweep over the slippery coral, and as they passed by the hissing white wall of foam they saw that the tiny builders had raised their rose-colored mountains to a great height. The delicate work was a marvel to see; it was like the weaving of finest lace-work, and only the smartest of the mermaids were employed to carve the coral beds. “Can the Earth exhibit greater wonders?” exclaimed Prince Dorion. “We think not,” answered the Ocean King; “but perhaps it is because we love our home so much. We have many more wonderful things we could show you, but our time is limited, and we can only briefly display our favorites.” Turning, he took from the hand of one of his daughters a beautiful shell. Creamy and shining like satin was the outside of the curving piece of mother-of-pearl, but its lovely lining was as pink as a rose-leaf. Presenting it to Ethelda, the King bade her keep it to remind her of her visit to his dwelling. “This beautiful shell, fair Princess,” continued the King, “shares with the mermaid kingdom its great love of home, and it carries deep in its heart the sound of the waves. It will never lose it. No matter where it goes or how long it stays, if you but hold it to your ear it will speak to you of us. For the deep musical sound of the waves will always be heard singing within its depths.”