mermaid lived on at the island, and performed little services for the hermit who had befriended and protected them. As the days passed, Phra Abhai Mani became attracted towards the mermaid. After all, she had saved his life, and he pitied her for the loss of her parents. Besides, she was pretty to look at, and even if she lacked some of the physical qualities of a woman, she certainly had the charm and the grace of one. He therefore asked her to become his.