Lutey

Lutey coughed and hem'd, but it was of no use -- she could not or did not hear; he stamped, he kicked the rock, but all in vain, and at last he had to go close to her and speak.

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895

Everyone went to old Lutey, and when it was found that he had power over witchcraft, too, he became the most important man in the whole country.

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895

Nine years from that very time, on a calm moonlight night, Lutey, forgetting all about the mermaid and her threats, arranged to go out with

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895

Morwenna! as lovely as ever, her arms outstretched, her clear green eyes fixed steadily, triumphantly on Lutey.

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895

Another instant, and Lutey would have gone to his doom, but at that moment there came from the shore the sound of a dog barking as though in distress.

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895

Lutey was so enthralled by the loveliness of the mermaid, that he stood gazing at her, lost in wonder.

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895

"None of it's in my line, I'm thinking, my dear," said Lutey.

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895

It was from these rocks that the cry seemed to come, and Lutey, feeling sure that someone was out there in distress, turned and walked back quickly to see if he could give any help.

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895

Lutey stopped, and listened, and looked back, but, as far as he could see, not a living creature was to be seen on the beach but himself.

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895

In a state of great delight, Lutey trudged on with his lovely burthen, while she chatted gaily to him of her home, of the marvels and the riches of the sea, and the world that lay beneath it.

Cornwall's Wonderland Mabel Quiller-Couch 1895