Ethelda, delighted, thanked him for the charming gift, which she gratefully accepted. Then continuing their walk, they arrived at the door of a handsome palace, where the Ocean King’s only sister lived. She was called the Princess Sea Foam, and her palace was built entirely of pearls. Great oysters were constantly employed making these pearls for her, and day after day they opened their wide mouths and deposited fresh beauties at her doors. Her apartments were very elegant and all in white, and the Ocean King’s guests were especially astonished at the magnificence of the Princess’s clothes. She was very beautiful, for her skin was clear and white and her features delicate and pretty. She was small of stature, and looked more like a fairy than a mermaid, but her dress amazed them by its beauty. It was snow-white, and was studded with the largest and purest diamonds they had ever seen. Even her hair was covered with precious stones, and wherever she moved, sparkles of light burst forth. When she approached closer they discovered that the shining jewels were not really diamonds at all, but clear and brilliant raindrops! The Princess Sea Foam was in reality also the Rain Princess. Her duty was to lie frequently upon the top of the waves and travel about, watching the dry land and the sky. Often one sees the broad blue waters flecked with white specks; then one knows that Sea Foam and her companions, in their white dresses, are watching the world, to determine when rain is needed. It is a great responsibility for such a tiny Princess, but she has guided her millions of followers wisely, and the Earth is well pleased with her lovely daughter’s work. They make the precious raindrops and then store them away in a big room in the pearl palace. When rain is needed the doors are opened and the skies absorb the moisture. The heavens fill with clouds,—at first glorious, shining masses, lying against the blue sky as white and foamy as the Princess herself on the blue waves, but later, gathering force, they darken to a gray or black, and fall upon the Earth in a shower of glittering drops. Over and over again must Sea Foam do this wonderful work, but it is a work of joy, because she loves those glittering drops of shining water. The Sun warms the world and gives it heat, but the Ocean must cool and freshen it with raindrops; for all the rain that falls from the skies must first be gathered on the Earth, and this responsibility rests on the Ocean King’s sister, dainty little Sea Foam. CHAPTER III HOW THE FAIRIES WERE CHANGED INTO MOCKING-BIRDS [Illustration: (unlabelled)]