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+Project Gutenberg's Pixie O'Shaughnessy, by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Pixie O'Shaughnessy
+
+Author: Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
+
+Illustrator: W.H.C. Groome
+
+Release Date: April 16, 2007 [EBook #21101]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PIXIE O'SHAUGHNESSY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
+
+
+
+
+
+Pixie O'Shaughnessy
+
+by Mrs George de Horne Vaizey
+________________________________________________________________
+This is an absolutely delightful book. Pixie is a totally unique
+character!  Her mother had died and had left what money she had for
+Pixie's education.  The family live in a tumble-down old castle in
+Ireland, and are all and each totally eccentric, in an Irish kind of
+way.  Pixies and her father travel to London, for she is to go to a
+school for girls in the London suburbs.  Suddenly her father realises
+what a shabby little thing she is.  Furthermore she has a very strong
+Irish brogue.  So how does she get on with the other girls.  Famously,
+in the end, but there were a few set-backs.
+
+There is a very strongly written episode in the second half of the book,
+where Pixie takes the blame for the loss of a perfume-bottle that had
+been given to one of the mistresses by an old and beloved friend.
+Everything points to Pixie being the culprit.  She actually knows who
+did it, but somehow had given her word that she wouldn't give the other
+girl away.  Pixie is punished severely, not only for having done the
+deed, as generally assumed, but also for refusing to talk about it.
+Could any of us show such strength of character?  There are several
+sequels to this book, but though good, they are mere sequels. The
+inspiration that went into this book is unsurpassable.  N.H.
+________________________________________________________________
+PIXIE O'SHAUGHNESSY
+
+BY MRS GEORGE DE HORNE VAIZEY
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE.
+
+THE UGLY DUCKLING.
+
+Pixie O'Shaughnessy was at once the joy and terror of the school.  It
+had been a quiet, well-conducted seminary before her time, or it seemed
+so, at least, looking back after the arrival of the wild Irish tornado,
+before whose pranks the mild mischief of the Englishers was as water
+unto wine.  Pixie was entered in the school-lists as "Patricia Monica de
+Vere O'Shaughnessy," but no one ever addressed her by such a title, not
+even her home-people, by whom the name was considered at once as a
+tragedy and a joke of the purest water.
+
+Mrs O'Shaughnessy had held stern ideas about fanciful names for her
+children, on which subject she had often waxed eloquent to her friends.
+
+"What," she would ask, "could be more trying to a large and bouncing
+young woman than to find herself saddled for life with the title of
+`Ivy,' or for a poor anaemic creature to pose as `Ruby' before a
+derisive world?"  She christened her own first daughter Bridget, and the
+second Joan, and the three boys respectively Jack, Miles, and Patrick,
+resolutely waving aside suggestions of more poetic names even when they
+touched her fancy, or appealed to her imagination.  Better err on the
+safe side, and safeguard oneself from the risk of having a brood of
+plain, awkward children masquerading through life under names which made
+them a laughing-stock to their companions.
+
+So she argued; but as the years passed by, it became apparent that her
+children had too much respect for the traditions of the race to appear
+an any such unattractive guise.  "The O'Shaughnessys were always
+beautiful," quoth the Major, tossing his own handsome head with the air
+of supreme self-satisfaction which was his leading characteristic, "and
+it's not my children that are going to break the rule," and certain it
+is that one might have travelled far and wide before finding another
+family to equal the one at Knock Castle in point of appearance.  The
+boys were fine upstanding fellows with dark eyes and aquiline features;
+Bridgie was a dainty, fair-haired little lady; while Joan, (Esmeralda
+for short, as her brothers had it), had reached such a climax of beauty
+that strangers gasped with delight, and the hardest heart softened
+before her baby smile.  Well might Mrs O'Shaughnessy waver in her
+decision; well might she suppose that she was safe in relaxing her
+principles sufficiently to bestow upon baby number six a name more
+appropriate to prospective beauty and charm.  The most sensible people
+have the most serious relapses, and once having given rein to her
+imagination nothing less than three names would satisfy her--and those
+three the high-sounding Patricia Monica de Vere.
+
+She was an ugly baby.  Well, but babies often were ugly.  That counted
+for nothing.  It was really a bad sign if an infant were conspicuously
+pretty.  She had no nose to speak of, and a mouth of enormous
+proportions.  What of that?  Babies' noses always were small, and the
+mouth would not grow in proportion to the rest of the features.  In a
+few months she would no doubt be as charming as her sisters had been
+before her; but, alas!  Pixie disappointed that expectation, as she was
+fated to disappoint most expectations during her life.  Her nose refused
+to grow bigger, her mouth to grow smaller, her small twinkling eyes
+disdained the lashes which were so marked a feature in the faces of her
+sisters, and her hair was thin and straight, and refused to grow beyond
+her neck, whereas Bridgie and Esmeralda had curling manes so long that,
+as their nurse proudly pointed out to other nurses, they could sit on
+them, the darlints! and that to spare.
+
+There was no disguising the fact that she was an extraordinarily plain
+child, and as the years passed by she grew ever plainer and plainer, and
+showed less possibility of improvement.  The same contrariety of fate
+which made Bridget look like Patricia, made Patricia look like Bridget,
+and Mrs O'Shaughnessy often thought regretfully of her broken
+principle.  "Indeed it's a judgment on me!" she would cry; but always as
+she said the words she hugged her baby to her breast, and showered
+kisses on the dear, ugly little face, wondering in her heart if she had
+ever loved a child so much before, or if any of Pixie's beautiful
+sisters and brothers had had such strange, fascinating little ways.  At
+the age when most infants are content to blink, she smiled accurately
+and with intent; when three months old she would look up from her pillow
+with a twinkling glance, as who would say, "Such an adventure as I've
+had with these cot curtains!  You wait a few months until I can speak,
+and I'll astonish you about it!"  And when she could sit up she
+virtually governed the nursery.  The shrewdness of the glance which she
+cast upon her sisters quite disturbed the enjoyment of those young
+ladies in the pursuance of such innocent tricks as making lakes of ink
+in the laps of their clean pinafores, or scratching their initials on
+newly painted doors, and she waved her rattle at them with such an
+imperious air that they meekly bowed their heads, and allowed her to tug
+at their curls without reproach.
+
+The whole family vied with each other in adoring the ugly duckling, and
+in happy Irish fashion regarded her shortcomings as a joke rather than a
+misfortune.  "Seen that youngster of mine?" the Major would cry genially
+to his friends.  "She's worth a visit, I tell you!  Ugliest child in
+Galway, though I say it that shouldn't."  And Pixie's company tricks
+were all based on the subject of personal shortcomings.
+
+"Show the lady where your nose ought to be, darling," her mother would
+say fondly, and the baby fingers would point solemnly to the flat space
+between the eyes.
+
+"And where's the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, sweetheart?" would be the
+next question, when the whole of Pixie's fat fist would disappear bodily
+inside the capacious mouth.
+
+"The Major takes more notice of her than he did of any of the others,"
+Mrs O'Shaughnessy would tell her visitor.  "He is always buying her
+presents!"
+
+And then she would sigh, for, alas! the Major was one of those careless,
+extravagant creatures, who are never restrained from buying a luxury by
+the uninteresting fact that the bread bill is owing, and the butcher
+growing pressing in his demands.  When his wife pleaded for money with
+which to defray household bills, he grew irritable and impatient, as
+though he himself were the injured party.  "The impudence of the
+fellows!" he would cry.  "They are nothing but ignorant upstarts, while
+the O'Shaughnessys have been living on this ground for the last three
+centuries.  They ought to be proud to serve me!  This is what comes of
+educating people beyond their station.  Any upstart of a tradesman
+thinks himself good enough to trouble an O'Shaughnessy about a trumpery
+twenty or thirty pounds.  I'll show them their mistake!  You can tell
+them that I'll not be bullied, and indeed they might as well save their
+trouble, for, between you and me, there's not a five-pound note in my
+pocket between now and the beginning of the year."  After delivering
+himself of which statement he would take the train to the nearest town,
+order a new coat, buy an armful of toys for Pixie, and enjoy a good
+dinner at the best hotel, leaving his poor wife to face the irate
+tradesmen as best she might.
+
+Poor Mrs O'Shaughnessy!  She hid an aching heart under a bright
+exterior many times over, as the pressure for money grew ever tighter
+and tighter, and she saw her children running wild over the countryside,
+with little or no education to fit them for the battle of life.  The
+Major declared that he could not afford school fees, so a daily
+governess was engaged to teach boys and girls alike--a staid, old-
+fashioned maiden lady, who tried to teach the young O'Shaughnessys on
+the principles of fifty years ago, to her own confusion and their
+patronising disdain.  The three boys were sharp as needles to discover
+the weak points in her armour, and maliciously prepared questions by
+which she could be put to confusion, while the girls tittered and idled,
+finding endless excuses for neglecting their unwelcome tasks.  Half a
+dozen times over had Miss Minnitt threatened to resign her hopeless
+task, and half a dozen times had she been persuaded by Mrs
+O'Shaughnessy to withdraw her resignation.  The poor mother knew full
+well that it would be a difficulty to find anyone to take the place of
+the hard-worked, ill-paid governess, and the governess loved her wild
+charges, as indeed did everyone who knew them, and sorrowed over them in
+her heart, because she saw what their blind young eyes never noticed--
+the coming shadow on the house, the gradual fading away of the weary,
+overtaxed mother.  Mrs O'Shaughnessy had fought for years against
+chronic weariness and ill-health, but the time was coming when she could
+fight no longer, and, almost before her family had recognised that she
+was ill, the end drew near, and her husband and children were summoned
+to bid the last farewell.
+
+The eyes of the dying woman roamed from one to the other of her six
+children--twenty-two-year-old Jack, handsome and manly, so like--oh, so
+like that other Jack who had come wooing her nearly thirty years ago!
+Bridgie, slim and delicate--so unfit, poor child, to take the burden of
+a mother's place; Miles, with his proud, overbearing look, a boy who had
+had especial claims on her care and guidance; Joan, beautiful and
+daring, ignorant of nothing so much as of her own ignorance; Pat, of the
+pensive face and reckless spirit; and last but not least, Pixie, her
+baby--dear, naughty, loyal little Pixie, whom she must leave to the
+tender mercies of children little older than herself!  The dim eyes
+brightened, the thin hand stretched out and gripped her husband by the
+arm.
+
+"Jack!" she cried shrilly--"Pixie!  Give Pixie a chance!  Take care of
+her--she is so young--and I can't stay.  For my sake, Jack, give Pixie a
+chance!"
+
+The Major promised with sobs and tears.  In his own selfish way he had
+adored his wife, and her last words could not easily be put aside.  As
+the months passed by, he was the more inclined to follow her wishes, as
+the few thousands which fell to him at her death enabled him to pay off
+his more pressing debts and enjoy a temporary feeling of affluence.
+Jack went back to his office in London, where he had betaken himself
+three years before, to the disgust of the father, who considered it more
+respectable for an O'Shaughnessy to be in debt than to work for his
+living in the City among City men.  Pat and Miles remained at home,
+ostensibly to help on the estate, and in reality to shoot rabbits and
+get into mischief with the farm hands.  Miss Minnitt was discharged,
+since Bridgie must now be occupied with household duties, and Joan was
+satisfied that her education was finished.  And the verdict went forth
+that Pixie was to go to school.
+
+"Your mother was always grieving that she could not educate your sisters
+like other girls, and it was her wish that you should have a chance.
+I'll send you to London to the best school that can be found, if I have
+to sell the coat off my back to do it," said the Major fervently; for
+there was no sacrifice which he was not ready to make--in anticipation,
+and he hoped to discover a school which did not demand payments in
+advance.  He patted the child on the shoulder in congratulation; but
+Pixie was horrified, and, opening her mouth, burst into howls and yells
+of indignation.
+
+"I won't!  I shan't!  I hate school!  I won't go a step!  I'll stay at
+home and have Miss Minnitt to teach me!  I won't!  I won't!  I won't!"
+
+The Major smiled and stroked his moustache.  He was used to Pixie's
+outbursts, and quite unperturbed thereby, although a stranger would have
+quailed at the sound, and would certainly have imagined that some
+horrible form of torture was being employed.  Pixie checked herself
+sufficiently to peep at his face, realised that violence was useless,
+and promptly changed her tactics.  She whimpered dismally, and essayed
+cajolery.
+
+"It will break me heart to leave you.  Father darlin', let me stay!
+What will you do without your little girl at all?"
+
+"I'll miss you badly, but it's for your own good.  That brogue of yours
+is getting worse and worse.  And such a fine school, too!  Think of all
+you will be able to learn!"
+
+"Me education's finished," said Pixie haughtily.  "I know me tables and
+can read me books, and write a letter when I want, and that's all that's
+required of a young gentlewoman living at home with her parents.  I've
+heard you say so meself--a hundred times, if once."
+
+It was too true.  The Major recognised the argument with which he had
+been wont to answer his wife's pleas for higher education, and was
+incensed, as we all are when our own words are brought up against us.
+
+"You are a very silly child," he said severely, "and don't understand
+what you are talking about.  I am giving you an opportunity which none
+of your brothers and sisters have had, and you have not the decency to
+say as much as `Thank you.'  I am ashamed of you.  I am bitterly
+ashamed!"
+
+Such a statement would have been blighting indeed to an ordinary child,
+but Pixie looked relieved rather than otherwise, for her quick wits had
+recognised another form of appeal, and she was instantly transformed
+into an image of penitence and humiliation.
+
+"I am a bad, ungrateful choild, and don't deserve your kindness.  I
+ought to be punished, and kept at home, and then when I grew older and
+had more sense I'd regret it, and it would be a warning to me.
+Esmeralda's cleverer than me.  It would serve me right if she went
+instead."
+
+It was of no avail.  The Major only laughed and repeated his decision,
+when Pixie realised that it was useless fighting against fate, and
+resigned herself to the inevitable with characteristic philosophy.
+
+Her outbursts of rebellion, though violent for the time being, were of
+remarkably short duration, for she was of too sunny a nature to remain
+long depressed, and moreover it was more congenial to her pride to pose
+as an object of envy than pity.  On the present occasion she no sooner
+realised that go to school she must, than she began to plume herself on
+her importance, and prepare to queen it over her sisters.
+
+"You had better make the most of me, my dears," she announced in the
+morning-room five minutes later, "for it's not long you'll be having me
+with you.  I'm off to a grand London school to correct me brogue and
+learn accomplishments.  It will cost a mint of money, and father can't
+afford to send you too; but I'll tell you all about it when I come back,
+and correct your accent and show you me fine new clothes!"
+
+"Thank you, darling!" said Bridgie meekly, while Esmeralda stifled a
+laugh and turned her lovely eyes on the ugly duckling with a glance of
+fondest admiration.  Both sisters had overheard the shrieks of ten
+minutes before and could still see tell-tale tear-marks, but nothing in
+the world would have induced them to say as much or check their darling
+in her newly found complacency.
+
+After all it was not until some months had elapsed that the dilatory
+Major discovered a school to his liking, and even then he allowed his
+own engagements to interfere with the date of her arrival, for he
+insisted upon accompanying Pixie himself, and could not see that it made
+the least difference whether she arrived at the beginning of the term or
+a few weeks later on.  Miss Minnitt protested faintly, but soon relapsed
+into silence, and consoled herself by turning seamstress and helping
+Bridgie and Joan with the school outfit.  It was a case of making new
+lamps out of old, for little money was forthcoming to buy fresh
+material, and, with the best will in the world, the workers were still
+unskilled in their efforts.
+
+Bridgie's tender heart was pierced with sorrow as she looked at the
+dismal little outfit spread out on the bed preparatory to packing--so
+poor it seemed, so shabby, oh, so black, black, black and sorrowful!
+Poor little Pixie going forth alone into the unknown world--little,
+wild, ignorant Irish girl, bound for a strange land among strange
+people!  Would those fine English girls laugh among themselves and jeer
+at her untamed ways?  Would they imitate her brogue in their thin
+mincing voices, and if so, how, oh, how would Pixie conduct herself in
+return?  Bridgie was barely twenty years old, but since her mother's
+death she had grown into a woman in thoughtfulness and love for others,
+and now it weighed on her mind that it was her duty to speak seriously
+to Pixie before she left home, and prepare her in some sort for the
+trials which might lie before her.  If she did not, no one would, and it
+was cruel to let the child leave without a word of counsel.  She lay
+awake wondering what to say and how to say it.
+
+"It's no use telling Pixie not to get into mischief, for she can't help
+it, the darling!  It's the nature of her, but she has such a loving
+little heart that she will never go far wrong."
+
+The next day she watched her opportunity, and took advantage of a quiet
+moment to speak her words of counsel.
+
+"You won't be disappointed if school isn't all you expect, will you,
+dear?" she began nervously.  "I have heard girls say that they felt
+dreadfully lonely and homesick at first, and when the pupils are all
+strange to you, and chums with one another, you may think they are not
+as friendly as you could wish.  And the teachers may seem stern.  Miss
+Minnitt has spoiled us by being too mild and easy, and you will feel the
+difference.  Then you have run wild all your life, and it will seem
+strange to be allowed out for walks only; but, Pixie, I want you to
+remember that you are our pet and baby, and that our happiness depends
+on you.  If you get a good report and bring home prizes, the pride we
+shall feel, the airs we shall be giving ourselves, going into Galway and
+telling everyone we meet on the street; but if you are disobedient and
+we hear complaints, it's covered with disgrace we shall be in the eyes
+of the county.  Now, there will be good girls in that school, and bad
+girls, and lazy girls, and industrious ones, and girls who would tell
+the truth if they were to be shot for it the next moment; and girls who
+would trick and deceive to get a mean advantage over another.  Patricia
+O'Shaughnessy, which are you going to choose for your companions?"
+
+Pixie fairly jumped upon her seat with surprise, the use of that seldom-
+heard name impressing her more than anything else could possibly have
+done with the importance of the occasion.  A murmur of protest did duty
+as a reply, and Bridgie continued impressively--
+
+"Yes, I am sure you will choose the right sort of friend, for the honour
+of your name and the family to which you belong; but you must be
+industrious with your work as well.  Now that I have left off lessons I
+wish I had worked twice as hard, for I feel so ignorant and stupid
+beside other girls; and you are clever, Pixie, and can do well if you
+choose.  Don't be troublesome to the teachers, dearie; it must be
+maddening to have to teach day after day, and they have to be cross now
+and then--the creatures!--to relieve their feelings.  And if you feel
+tempted to be rude and naughty, just remember that you are mother's
+little baby, and that the last thing she asked was that you should have
+your chance!  Perhaps she sees you still, Pixie!  Perhaps God lets her
+be a white angel to watch over her boys and girls.  If you thought
+mother was watching, you never could do anything to grieve her!"
+
+The ready tears poured down Pixie's face.  She sobbed and moaned, and
+with clasped hands repeated her vow to be good, good, good; never to be
+naughty again so long as she lived!  And Bridgie wept too, smiling
+through her tears at the impracticability of the promise, the while she
+clasped the dear little sister to her breast.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO.
+
+FOND FAREWELLS.
+
+The morning rose clear and fair, and the sun shone as cheerfully as if
+no tragedy were about to be enacted, and Pixie O'Shaughnessy would
+presently run out of doors to sit swinging on a gate, clad in
+Esmeralda's dyed skirt, Pat's shooting jacket, and the first cap that
+came to hand, instead of starting on the journey to school in a new
+dress, a hat with bows and two whole quills at the side, and her hair
+tied back with a ribbon that had not once been washed!  It was almost
+too stylish to be believed!
+
+Pixie entered the breakfast-room with much the same stride as that with
+which the big drum-major heads the Lord Mayor's procession, and spread
+out her dress ostentatiously as she seated herself by the table.  The
+armholes stuck into her arms, the collar was an inch too high, and the
+chest painfully contracted, but she was intensely proud of herself all
+the same, and privately thought the London girls would have little
+spirit left in them when confronted with so much elegance.  Bridgie was
+wiping her eyes behind the urn, Esmeralda was pressing the mustard upon
+her, the Major was stroking his moustache and smiling as he murmured to
+himself--
+
+"Uglier than ever in that black frock!  Eh--what!  Bless the child, it
+is the mischief to let her go!  The house will be lost without her!"
+
+Pat and Miles were conversing together in tones of laboured mystery, a
+device certain to arrest Pixie's vivid attention.
+
+"On Sundays--yes!  Occasionally on Wednesdays also.  It _does_ seem
+rather mean, but I suppose puddings are not good for growing girls.  Two
+a week is ample if you think of it!"
+
+"Good wholesome puddings too!" said Pat, nodding assent.  "Suet and
+rice, and perhaps tapioca for a change!  Very sensible, I call it.
+Porridge for breakfast, I think they said, but no butter, of course?"
+
+"Certainly not!  Too bad for the complexion, but cod-liver oil regularly
+after every meal.  Especially large doses to those suffering from change
+of climate!"
+
+The Major was chuckling with amusement; Bridgie was shaking her head,
+and murmuring, "Boys, don't!  It's cruel!"  Pixie was turning from one
+to the other with eager eyes, and mouth agape with excitement.  She knew
+perfectly well that the conversation was planned for her benefit, and
+more than guessed its imaginary nature, but it was impossible to resist
+a thrill--a fear--a doubt!  The bread-and-butter was arrested in her
+hand in the keenness of listening.
+
+"Did I understand you to say _no_ talking allowed?" queried Pat
+earnestly.  "I had an impression that on holiday afternoons a little
+more liberty might be given?"
+
+"My dear fellow, there are no holidays!  They are abolished in modern
+schools as being unsettling, and disturbing to study.  `In work, in
+work, in work always let my young days be spent!'  Pass the marmalade,
+please!  The girls are occasionally allowed to speak to each other in
+French, or, if they prefer it, in German, or any other Continental
+language.  The constant use of one language is supposed to be bad for
+the throat.  I hope, by the way, father, that you mentioned distinctly
+that Pixie's throat requires care?"
+
+Pixie cast an agonised glance round the table, caught Bridgie's eye, and
+sighed with relief, as a shake of the head and an encouraging smile
+testified to the absurdity of the boys' statements.
+
+"There's not a word of truth in it, darling.  Don't listen to them.
+They are only trying to tease you."
+
+"I'd scorn to listen!  Ignorant creatures, brought up at home by a lady
+governess!  What do they know about schooling?" cried Pixie cruelly; for
+this was a sore point, on which it was not safe to jest on ordinary
+occasions.  Miles rolled his eyes at her in threatening fashion, and Pat
+stamped on her foot; but she smiled on unabashed, knowing full well that
+her coming departure would protect her from the ordinary retribution.
+
+After breakfast it seemed a natural thing to go a farewell round of the
+house and grounds, escorted by the entire family circle, and a
+melancholy review it would have been to anyone unblessed with Irish
+spirits, and the Irish capability of shutting one's eyes to unpleasant
+truths.  Knock Castle sounded grandly enough, and a fine old place it
+had been some centuries before; but for want of repairs it had now
+fallen into a semi-ruinous condition pathetic to witness.  Slates in
+hundreds had fallen off the roof and been left unreplaced; a large
+staircase window, blown in by a storm, was still boarded up, waiting to
+be mended "some time," though more than a year had elapsed since the
+accident had taken place; the walls in the great drawing-room were
+mouldy with damp, for it had been deserted for many a day, because its
+owner could not afford the two big fires necessary to keep it aired.
+Pixie sniffed with delight when she entered the gloomy apartment, for
+the room represented the family glory to her childish imagination, so
+that the smell of mildew was irresistibly associated with luxury.  The
+dining-room carpet was worn into holes, and there was one especially big
+one near the window, where Esmeralda, who was nothing if not artistic,
+had painted so accurate a repetition of the pattern on the boards
+beneath that one could scarcely see where one ended, and the other
+began!
+
+The original intention had been to disguise the hole, but so proud was
+the family of the success of the imitation, that it became one of the
+show places of the establishment.  When the hounds met at Bally William,
+and the Major brought old Lord Atrim into the house for lunch, he called
+the old gentleman's attention to it with a chuckle of enjoyment.  "My
+daughter's work!  The second, Joan here--Esmeralda, we call her.  She'll
+be an artist yet!  A real genius with the brush."  And the old lord had
+laughed till he cried, and stared at Esmeralda the whole time of lunch,
+and when Christmas-time came round, did he not send her the most
+beautiful box of the best possible paints, the very thing of all others
+for which she had been longing, so that it seemed after all that it had
+been a good thing when the terriers Tramp and Scamp had scratched the
+thin web into a hole!  The ceilings were black with the smoke of fire
+and lamps, but the silver on the oak dresser would have delighted the
+heart of a connoisseur, and the china in daily use would have been laid
+out for view in glassed-in cabinets in most households, instead of being
+given over to the care of an Irish biddy who tried to hang cups upon
+hooks with her head turned in an opposite direction, and had a weakness
+for sitting on the corner of the table to rest herself in the midst of
+washing the plates.
+
+Outside the garden was an overgrown wilderness of vegetation, for the
+one gardener, realising the impossibility of doing the work of the six
+who would have been required to keep the place in order, resigned
+himself to doing nothing at all, or as little as was compatible with the
+weekly drawing of wages.  The stables were empty, save for the two fine
+hunters which were necessary for the Major's enjoyment of his favourite
+sport, and the rough little pony which did duty for all the rest of the
+family in turns.  The row of glass-houses looked imposing enough from a
+distance, but almost squalid at a nearer view, for, as the Major could
+not afford to keep them in working order, broken panes greeted the eye
+in every direction, and plants were replaced by broken pieces of
+furniture and the hutches and cages of such live-stock as white mice,
+guinea-pigs, and ferrets.  Pixie had many farewells to bid in this
+quarter, and elaborate instructions to give as to the care to be
+lavished on her favourites during her absence.  The ferret was boarded
+out to Pat, who had no idea of doing anything for nothing, but was
+willing to keep the creature supplied with the unsavoury morsels, in
+which its soul delighted, for the fee of a halfpenny a week, to be paid
+"some time," an happy O'Shaughnessy fashion.  The white mice looked on
+coldly with their little pink eyes, while their mistress's own grew red
+with the misery of parting from them, and the rabbit seized the
+opportunity to gnaw Bridgie's skirt with its sharp teeth; but for Pixie
+the keenest pang of parting was over when she saw no more the floor with
+its scattered cabbage-leaves, and the door closed behind her, shutting
+out the dear mousy, rabbity smell associated with so many happy hours.
+
+Outside on the gravel path old Dennis was sitting on a wheelbarrow
+enjoying a pipe in the sunshine.  He made no attempt to rise as "the
+family" approached, but took the pipe out of his mouth and shook his
+head lugubriously.
+
+"This is the black day for us, for all the sun's shining in the skies.
+Good luck to ye, Miss Pixie, and don't forget to spake a good word for
+Ould Ireland when the opportunity is yours.  The ould place won't seem
+like itself with you and Mr Jack both going off within the same month;
+but there's one comfort--one frettin' will do for the pair of you!"  And
+with this philosophic reflection he stuck the pipe back in the corner of
+his mouth and resigned himself to the inevitable.
+
+"Pixie darling," said Bridgie nervously, "I think we must go back to the
+house.  It's time--very nearly time that you were getting ready.  Father
+is going to drive you over in the cart, and he won't like to be kept
+waiting."
+
+"Aren't you coming too?" queried Pixie eagerly.  There was a look on
+Bridgie's face this morning which reminded her of the dear dead mother,
+and she had a sudden feeling of dread and longing.  "I want you,
+Bridgie!  Come too!  Come too!"
+
+"I can't, my dearie.  Your box must go, you know, and there's not room
+for both.  But you won't cry, Pixie.  It's only babies who cry, not
+girls like you--big girls, almost in their teens, going away to see the
+world like any grand lady.  You may see the queen some day!  Think of
+that, now!  If you ever do, bow to her twice--once for yourself, and
+once for me--and tell her Bridget O'Shaughnessy is hers to the death.
+_I_ wouldn't cry, Pixie, if I were going to see the queen!"
+
+"Is it cry?" asked Pixie airily, with the tears pouring down her face
+and splashing on to her collar, which had been manufactured out of the
+strings of an old bonnet, with only three joins at the back to betray
+the fact that it had not been cut out of "the piece."
+
+"It's not likely I'll cry, when I'm going on a real train and steamer,
+and meals on the way right up to to-morrow night!  _You_ never had lunch
+on a train, Bridgie, and you are eight years older than me!"
+
+"'Deed I didn't, then.  No such luck!" sighed Bridgie regretfully,
+making the most of her own privation for the encouragement of the young
+traveller.  "That will be a treat for you, Pixie, and there are
+sandwiches and cakes in the dining-room for you to eat before you go.
+Come straight in, for I brought down your coat before going out.  You
+must write often, dear, and tell us every single thing.  What Miss
+Phipps is like, and the other teachers, and the girls in your class, and
+who sleeps in your bedroom, and every single thing that happens to you."
+
+"And remember to write every second letter to your brothers, for if you
+don't, they won't write to you.  Girls get all the letters, and it isn't
+fair.  Tell us if you play any games, and what sort of food they give
+you, and what you think of the English," said Miles, helping himself to
+sandwiches, and turning over the cakes to select the most tempting for
+his own refreshment, despite the young housekeeper's frowns of
+disapproval.  "Stick up for your country, and stand no cheek.  You
+understand, of course, that you are to be the Champion of Ireland in the
+school."
+
+"I do!" said little Pixie, and her back straightened, and her head
+reared itself in proud determination.
+
+"And if any English upstarts dare to try bullying you, just let them
+know that your name is O'Shaughnessy, and that your ancestors were Kings
+of Ireland when theirs were begging bread on the streets!  Talk to them
+straight, and let them know who they are dealing with!"
+
+"I will so!" said Pixie.  She chuckled gleefully at the anticipation;
+but, alas! her joy was short-lived, for at that moment the shabby
+dogcart passed the window, and the Major's voice was heard calling
+impatiently from the hall.
+
+"Ten minutes late already.  We shall need all our time.  Tumble in, now,
+tumble in!  You have had the whole morning for saying good-bye.  Surely
+you have finished by now!"
+
+The children thought they had hardly begun; but perhaps it was just as
+well to be spared the last trying moments.  Bridgie and Esmeralda
+wrapped their arms round the little sister and almost carried her to the
+door; Pat and Miles followed with their hands in their pockets, putting
+on a great affectation of jollity in their anxiety to disguise a natural
+regret; the two women-servants wailed loudly from the staircase.  Pixie
+scrambled to her seat and looked down at them, her poor little chin
+quivering with emotion.
+
+"Bridgie, write!  Esmeralda, write!" she cried brokenly.  "Oh, write
+often!  Write every day.  Pat, Pat, be kind to my ferret.  Don't starve
+it.  Don't let it die.  Take care of it for me till I come back."
+
+"I'll be a mother to it," said Pat solemnly.
+
+And so Pixie O'Shaughnessy went off to school.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE.
+
+THE NEW SCHOLAR.
+
+Major O'Shaughnessy and his little daughter reached London on the
+following afternoon, after a comfortable and unadventurous journey.
+Pixie had howled dismally all the way to the station, but had dried her
+eyes at the sight of the train, and even brightened into hilarious
+spirits on boarding the steamer.  She ate an enormous dinner of the
+richest and most indigestible dishes on the menu, slept peacefully
+through a stormy passage, and was up on deck conversing affably with the
+men who were washing down, long before her father had nerved himself to
+think of dressing.  The journey to London was a more or less
+disappointing experience, for, if she had not known to the contrary, she
+was not at all sure that she would have recognised that she was in a
+strange land.  What she had expected, it was impossible to say; but that
+England should bear so close a resemblance to her beloved land seemed
+another "insult to Ireland," as Pat would have had it, and that it
+should in some respects look better, more prosperous and orderly, this
+was indeed a bitter pill to swallow.
+
+As the train neared London, and other passengers came in and out of the
+carriage, Major O'Shaughnessy became conscious for the first time what a
+dusty, dishevelled little mortal he was about to introduce to an English
+school.  He was not noticing where his children were concerned, and
+moreover, his eye had grown accustomed to the home surroundings, but the
+contrast between these trim strangers and his own daughter was too
+striking to be overlooked.  Pixie had wriggled about until her frock was
+a mass of creases, her hat was grey with dust, and she had apparently
+forgotten to brush her hair before leaving her cabin.  The Major was too
+easy-going to feel any distress at this reflection.  He merely remarked
+to himself whimsically that, "the piccaninny would astonish them!"
+meaning the companions to whom she was about to be introduced, and
+decided then and there to take her straight to her destination.  This
+had been the only point upon which he and his young daughter had been at
+variance; for from the start Pixie had laid down, as her idea of what
+was right and proper, that her father should take her for the night to a
+grand hotel, introduce her next morning to the Tower, the Zoological
+Gardens, and Madame Tussaud's, and deposit her at Surbiton in the
+afternoon.  The Major's ideas on the subject were, however, that an
+exacting little daughter was a drawback to a man's enjoyment of a visit
+to London, and that there were other forms of amusement which he would
+prefer to a visit to the before-mentioned historic resorts.  With
+accustomed fluency, he found a dozen reasons for carrying out his own
+wishes, and propitiated Pixie by promising that Jack should take her
+sight-seeing before many weeks were over.
+
+"I'll tell Miss Phipps that I wish you to go out with your brother on
+Saturday afternoons, and you'll have a fine time together seeing all
+that is to be seen.  Far greater fun than if we tried to hurry about
+with not a minute to spare."
+
+"I like to do things _now_," sighed Pixie pensively; but as usual she
+resigned herself to the inevitable, and a box of chocolates, bought at
+Waterloo, sufficed to bring back the smiles to her face and restore her
+equanimity.
+
+The arrival at Surbiton Station was a breathless experience, though it
+was a distinct blow to her vanity to find that no deputation from Holly
+House was in waiting to receive Patricia O'Shaughnessy with the honours
+she deserved.  No one took any notice of her at all.  When the cabman,
+when directed to drive to Holly House, preserved an unmoved stolidity of
+feature, and had no remark whatever to offer on the subject.  How
+different from dear, friendly, outspoken Bally William, where each man
+was keenly interested in the affairs of his neighbour, and the poorest
+peasant upon the road felt himself competent to offer advice on the most
+intimate family matters!  Pixie felt a chill of foreboding as she drove
+through the trim Surbiton streets and noticed girls like herself walking
+demurely beside mother or governess, with laced-in boots, gloved bands,
+and silky manes flowing down their backs in straight, uninterrupted
+flow.  She looked down at her own new, stout, little boots.  Sixteen
+buttons in all, and only one missing!  Such a pitch of propriety made
+her feel quite in keeping with her surroundings, and she had kid gloves
+too--dyed ones--which looked every bit as good as new, and left no mark
+at all except round the fastenings, and the lobes of the fingers.  She
+gave a wriggle of contentment, and at that moment the cab turned in at
+the gate of Holly House.
+
+The name of the house seemed to have more appropriateness than is
+usually the case, for the garden was surrounded by a thick holly hedge,
+and the beds were planted with holly trees so dark that they appeared to
+be almost black in hue.  To the eyes of the new pupil there was
+something awe-inspiring in the sight of the grim flowerless beds and the
+foliage which looked so stern and prickly, almost as bad as the pieces
+of broken glass which are laid on the top of high walls to prevent
+escape or intrusion.  The house itself was big and square, with a door
+in the centre, and at the top two quaint dormer windows, standing out
+from the roof like big surprised-looking eyes.  "Dear, dear!" they
+seemed to say.  "If this isn't Pixie O'Shaughnessy driving up to the
+door!  Wonders will never cease!"
+
+The hall was wide and cold, and, oh, so clean--"fearful clean," thought
+the new pupil with a sigh, as she stepped gingerly over the polished
+oilcloth and gazed awesomely at spotless wood and burnished brass.  The
+drawing-room had none of the splendour of that disused apartment at
+Knock Castle, but it was bright and home-like, with an abundance of
+pretty cushions and tablecloths, a scent of spring flowers in the air,
+and a fire dancing cheerily in the grate.  Pixie's prejudices received a
+shock at the sight of so much frivolity in a drawing-room, and she could
+not echo her father's admiration.  She seated herself on the edge of the
+sofa and began to paint imaginary pictures of the mistress of this fine
+house.  "She will be tall, with yellow hair.  She will have cold fingers
+and a nose that looks thin and has a hump in the middle.  No, I don't
+believe she will, after all.  I believe she'll be fussy, and then they
+are small and dark--dark, with eyeglasses, and those funny red cheeks
+that are made up of little lines, and never get lighter or darker.  And
+she'll have a chain hanging from her waist with a lot of things that
+jingle, like the lady in the train.  Oh, me dear, suppose she was old!
+I never thought of that.  Suppose she was old, in a cap and a black
+satin dress, and chilblains on her hands!"  And when the door opened--it
+was really a most exciting occasion!--and Miss Phipps came into the
+room.
+
+She was not in the least like any of the three pictures which Pixie had
+imagined, she was far, far nicer and prettier.  She was tall, and so
+graceful and elegantly dressed as to be quite dazzling to the eyes of
+the country-bred stranger.  She had waving brown hair, which formed a
+sort of halo round her face, a pale complexion, and grey eyes which
+looked at you with a straight long glance, and then lightened as if they
+liked what they saw.  She was quite young, too, not a bit old and
+proper; the only thing that looked old were the little lines about the
+eyes, and even those disappeared when her face was in repose.  She came
+forward to where the major was standing, and held out her hand with a
+smile of welcome.
+
+"Major O'Shaughnessy!  I am very pleased to see you.  I hope you have
+had a good journey and a comfortable crossing."  Then she turned and
+looked at the crumpled little figure on the sofa, and her eyes softened
+tenderly.  "Is this my new pupil?  How do you do, dear?  I hope we shall
+be very good friends!"
+
+"Oi trust we may!" returned Pixie fervently, and with a broadening of
+the already broad brogue which arose from the emotion of the moment and
+made her father frown with embarrassment.
+
+"Ha--hum--ha--I am afraid I have brought you rather a rough specimen,"
+he said apologetically.  "Pixie is the baby of the family, and has been
+allowed to run wild, and play with all the children about the place.  I
+hope you will not find her very backward in her lessons.  She has had a
+governess at home, but--"
+
+"But she wasn't much good, either!" interrupted Pixie, entering into the
+conversation with the ease and geniality of one whose remarks are in the
+habit of being received with applause.  "I didn't pay much attention to
+her.  I expect there's a good deal I don't know yet, but I'm very quick
+and clever, and can be even with anyone if I choose to try."
+
+"Then please try, Pixie!  I shall be disappointed if you don't!" said
+Miss Phipps promptly.  Her cheeks had grown quite red with surprise, and
+she pulled in her upper lip, and bit at it hard as she looked down at
+her new pupil, and noted the flat nose, the wide mouth, and the elf-like
+thinness of the shabby figure.  "Pixie! that's a very charming little
+name, but a fancy one, surely.  What is your Christian name?"
+
+Father and daughter gazed at each other appealingly.  It was a moment
+which they had both dreaded, and the Major had fondly hoped that he
+might escape before the question was asked.  He remained obstinately
+silent, and Pixie nerved herself to reply.
+
+"Me name's not suited to me appearance," she said sadly.  "I'd rather,
+if you please, that ye didn't tell it to the girls.  I am always called
+Pixie at home.  Me name's Patricia!"
+
+Miss Phipps bit her lip harder than ever, but did managed to control her
+features, and Pixie was relieved to see that she did not even smile at
+the mention of the fatal name.
+
+"It's rather a long name for such a small person, isn't it?" she said
+seriously.  "I think we will keep to Pixie.  It will make school more
+home-like for you, than if we changed to one to which you are not
+accustomed."  Then turning to the Major, "I am sorry my head mistress,
+Miss Bruce, is not at home to-day, as I should have liked you to see
+her.  She is very bright and original, and has a happy knack of bringing
+out the best that is in her pupils.  She directs the teaching, and I am
+the housekeeper and sick-nurse of the establishment.  Would you like to
+come upstairs, and see the room in which Pixie will sleep, or shall we
+wait perhaps until after tea?"
+
+The Major declared that he could not wait for tea.  He had kept the cab
+waiting at the door, and was all anxiety to get the parting over as
+quickly as possible and return to the fascinations of town, so he
+discussed a few business matters with Miss Phipps, and then took Pixie's
+hand and accompanied her up the staircase to the third-floor bedroom
+which she was to share with three other pupils.
+
+Two windows looked out on to the garden in front of the house, and an
+arrangement of curtains hung on rods made each little cubicle private
+from the rest.  Pixie's handbag had already been laid by her bed, and
+she felt quite a swelling of importance as she surveyed her new domain,
+wherein everything was to be her very own, and not shared with someone
+else, as had always been the case at home.  The Major gushed over all he
+saw, and professed himself as more than satisfied, but he was plainly
+ill at ease, and after walking twice round the room was all eagerness to
+make his escape.
+
+"I'll say good-bye to you now, Pixie," he said, "for your bag is there,
+I see, and you would be much the better for a wash and brush.  It's no
+use coming downstairs again.  Be a good girl, now, and Jack shall come
+often to see you!  I'm happy to leave you in such good hands, and it's a
+lucky child you are to have such a school to come to!  It will be your
+own fault if you are not happy."
+
+"I've no doubt I'll be very comfortable, thank you," Pixie said
+pleasantly, lifting her cheek to receive her father's kiss, with little
+sign of the emotion dreaded by the two onlookers, for her mind was too
+full of the new excitements to allow her to realise his departure.  He
+hurried out of the room, followed by Miss Phipps, and Pixie withdrew
+into her cubicle, pulled the curtains closely around her, and felt
+monarch of all she surveyed.  A dear little white bed, so narrow that if
+you turned, you turned at your peril and in instant dread of landing on
+the floor; a wonderful piece of furniture which did duty as dressing-
+table, washstand, and chest of drawers combined; a single chair and a
+hanging cupboard.  Everything fresh, spotlessly clean, and in perfect
+order; absolutely, if you can believe it, not a single broken thing to
+be seen!  Pixie drew a quick breath of admiration, and wondered how long
+it could possibly be before she succeeded in cracking that lovely blue
+and white china, and exactly what would happen if she spilt the water
+over the floor!  She was so much occupied in building castles in the air
+that ten minutes passed by and she had not moved from her seat, when
+suddenly there came the sound of footsteps running up the stairs, the
+door was pushed open, and tramp, tramp, in came her future companions,
+hidden from sight, but talking volubly to each other as they took off
+hats and jackets after the afternoon walk.
+
+"The new girl has arrived!" cried number one, in a tone of breathless
+excitement.  "I saw her box as I came through the hall.  I peeped at the
+label, but hadn't time to read it properly."
+
+"I did, though!" cried another.  "A funny name--O something or other.
+`Shog-nessie,' or something like that.  Such a shabby old trunk!  Looked
+as if it came out of the Ark."
+
+"It will be rather fun having an Irish girl, don't you think?" number
+two suggested.  "They are untidy and quarrelsome, of course, but it is
+funny to hear them talk, and they make such droll mistakes.  I shouldn't
+like to be Irish myself, but it will be a pleasant change to have a
+Paddy among us!"
+
+"Well, I hope she isn't quarrelsome in this room, that's all!" said a
+third speaker, who had hitherto been silent, "because if she is, I shall
+feel it my duty to give her a taste of Home Rule that she may not
+appreciate.  And if she snores I shall squeeze my sponge over her, so
+you may tell her what she has to expect.  There's nothing like training
+these youngsters properly from the beginning!"
+
+"Twelve years old!  I call it mean to put a child like that in this
+room!  You are fourteen, I'm fourteen, Ethel is fifteen; we ought to
+have one of the older ones with us.  We will make her fag for her
+living.  She shall get the hot water, and fold up our nightgowns, and
+pick up the pins.  All the same, I shall be kind to her, for the credit
+of the country, for Irish people are always imagining themselves ill-
+used by England.  If I had thought of it I would have drawn a picture
+for her cubicle, as a delicate little mark of attention.  An Irishman
+with his--what do you call it?--shi-lee-lah!"
+
+The speaker stopped suddenly as she pronounced this difficult word, for
+a curious muffled sound reached her ears.  "What's that?" she asked
+quickly; but her companions had heard nothing, so she retired into the
+cubicle next Pixie's own to brush her hair, slightly raising her voice,
+so as to be heard more easily by her companions.
+
+"She lives in a castle!  I heard Miss Phipps telling Miss Bruce when she
+was sending the labels.  `Knock-kneed Castle,' or something like that.
+Every second house in Ireland is called a castle, my father says.  It's
+no more than a villa in England, and all the people are as poor as Job,
+and have hens in their parlours and pigs on the lawn.  They don't know
+what it is to keep order.  What are you grunting for, Ethel?  It's quite
+true, I tell you!"
+
+"Dear me, I'm not grunting, I'm only washing my hands," cried Ethel,
+aggrieved.  "What's the matter with your ears this afternoon?  I don't
+care where she lives, so long as she behaves herself, and knows how to
+respect her elders.  I wonder what she is like!"
+
+"Irish girls are mostly pretty."
+
+"Who told you that?"
+
+"Never mind, I know it.  It's always raining over there, and that is
+supposed to be good for the hair, or the complexion, or something.  And
+they are so bright and vivacious.  If an author wants to make a
+specially lively heroine in a book, the father is Irish, and the mother
+is French.  Perhaps she'll be the beauty of the school, and then won't
+someone we could mention tear her hair with rage?"
+
+"Well, I don't know about being pretty," said Pixie's neighbour
+reflectively.  "We have had lots of Irish servants, and they were plain
+enough.  But the name sounds interesting--`Miss Shog-nessie--the
+Castle--Ireland.'  It certainly sounds interesting.  I'd give something
+to know what she is like."
+
+"If ye'll step inside the curtain, ye may judge for yerself," said a
+deep rich voice suddenly from behind the curtain which was farthest from
+the door.
+
+There was silence in the bedroom--a silence which might be felt!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR.
+
+FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
+
+Pixie's first week at school was a period of delirious excitement.
+Above all things in the world she loved to be of importance, and occupy
+a foremost place with those around her, and she was proudly conscious
+that her name was on every lip, her doings the subject of universal
+attention.  New girls were wont to be subdued and bashful in their
+demeanour, and poor unfortunates who arrived after the beginning of the
+term to find other pupils settled down into regular work, were apt to
+feel doubly alone.  By this time those arrangements are determined which
+are of such amazing importance to the schoolgirl's heart--Clara has
+sworn deathless friendship with Ethel; Mary, Winifred, and Elsie have
+formed a "triple alliance," each solemnly vowing to tell the other her
+inmost secrets, and consult her in all matters of difficulty.  Rosalind
+and Bertha have agreed to form a pair in the daily crocodile, and Grace
+has sent Florence to Coventry because she has dared to sharpen pencils
+for Lottie, the school pet, when she knew perfectly well that it was
+Grace's special privilege, and she is a nasty, interfering thing,
+anyhow, and ought to be snubbed!  What chance has a poor late-comer
+against such syndicates as these?  There is nothing for her but to take
+a back place, and wait patiently for a chance at the beginning of
+another term.
+
+Pixie O'Shaughnessy, however, has never taken a back place in her life,
+and has no intention of beginning now.  On her very first evening the
+two head girls entered the school parlour to find a small, ugly girl
+seated in the middle of the hearth rug on the most comfortable chair
+which the room afforded, and were invited in the most genial manner to,
+"Shtep forward and take a seat!"
+
+"It's rhemarkably cold for the time of year!" remarked the small person,
+making no sign of giving up her seat, but waving blandly towards the
+cane chairs by the wall.  "I'm the new girl, I come from Ireland.  Me
+father brought me.  I'm the youngest of six, and I've come to school to
+correct me brogue, and be polished up.  As soon as I've finished I shall
+go back to me home!"
+
+The head girl came over to the fireplace, and stared downwards with wide
+grey eyes.  She looked almost grown-up, for her hair was twisted round
+and round like a lady's, and her dress reached to her ankles.
+
+"That's very interesting!" she said slowly.  "I am glad you have made
+yourself comfortable, for from what you say I expect we shall have you
+with us for quite a long time.  Can't you tell us some more family
+details while you are about it?"
+
+"I can so!" said Pixie with emphasis, and sitting erect in her seat she
+folded her hands in her lap, and began to talk.  The room was filling by
+this time, for the quarter of an hour before tea was a cosy holiday-
+time, when the girls could talk without restraint, and compare notes on
+the work of the day.  One by one they approached the fireside, until
+Pixie's chair was surrounded by a compact wall of laughing young faces,
+and thirty pairs of eyes stared at her from head to foot, back again
+from foot to head.  Her black skirt was so short that it was like a
+flounce, and nothing more; from chest to back there was no more width
+than could be covered by the scraggy little arm, the feet dangled half-
+way to the floor, and the hands waved about, emphasising every sentence
+with impassioned gestures.
+
+At the end of ten minutes what the pupils of Holly House did not know
+about the O'Shaughnessy family may be safely described as not worth
+knowing!  They had been treated to graphic descriptions of all its
+members, with illustrative anecdotes setting them forth in their best
+and worst lights; they had heard of the ancient splendours of the
+Castle, and the past glories of the family, and--for Pixie was gifted
+with a most engaging honesty--they had also heard of the present
+straitness of means, the ingenious contrivances by which the family
+needs were supplied, and even of one tragic episode when the butcher
+refused to supply any more meat, just when one of the county magnates
+was expected to dinner!  It had been a ghastly occasion, but Bridgie
+went and "spoke soft to him," and he was a decent man, and he said it
+wasn't for "all the mutton in the world," he said, that he would see her
+shamed before the quality, so all ended as happily as could be desired!
+
+"I wouldn't tell stories like that if I were you, Pixie," said the head
+girl gravely, at the end of this recital.  She had not laughed as the
+others had done, but looked at the little chatterbox with a grave,
+steady glance.  Margaret had gained for herself the title of "School-
+Mother", by thinking of something better than the amusement of the
+moment, and being brave enough to speak a word of warning when she saw a
+girl setting out on a path which was likely to bring her into trouble.
+"I wouldn't tell stories like that!" she repeated, and when the swift
+"Why not?" came back, she was ready with her reply.  "Because I am sure
+your people would not like it.  It is all right for you to tell us about
+your brothers and sisters, and it was very interesting.  I wish Bridgie
+and Esmeralda had come to school with you; but we don't tell stories of
+our home doings of which we are,"--she was about to say "ashamed," but
+the child's innocent eyes restrained her--"about which we are sorry!  We
+keep those to ourselves."
+
+"But--but we got the mutton!  He gave us the mutton!" cried Pixie, agape
+with wonder.  It seemed to her an interesting and highly creditable
+history, seeing that Bridgie had had the better of the butcher, and
+maintained the family credit in the eyes of the neighbourhood.  She
+could not understand Margaret's gravity, and the half-amused, half-
+pitiful glances of the older pupils.
+
+The girl standing nearest to her put an arm round her neck, and said,
+"Poor little girlie!" in such a soft, tender voice that her tears
+overflowed at the moment, and she returned the embrace with startling
+fervour.  Pixie's emotions were all on the surface, and she could cry at
+one moment and laugh at the next, with more ease than an ordinary person
+could smile or sigh.  When the gong sounded for tea, she went downstairs
+with her arms twined fondly round the waists of two new friends, and
+there was quite a quarrel among the girls, as to who should sit beside
+her.
+
+Miss Phipps was at one end of the table, and Mademoiselle, the resident
+French teacher, at the other, and between them stretched a long white
+space flanked by plates of bread-and-butter, and in the centre some
+currant scones, and dishes of jam.  These latter dainties were intended
+to supply a second course when appetite had been appeased by plainer
+fare, but the moment that grace was said the new-comer helped herself to
+the largest scone she could find, half covered her plate with jam, and
+fell to work with unrestrained relish, while thirty pairs of eyes
+watched with fascinated horror.  She thought that everyone seemed
+uncommonly quiet and solemn, and was casting about in her mind for a
+pleasant means of opening the conversation, when a sound broke on her
+ears which recalled one of Pat's prophecies with unpleasant
+distinctness.  Mademoiselle was talking in her native tongue, and it was
+not in the least like the French which she had been accustomed to hear
+in the schoolroom at Bally William.  The agonising presentiment that her
+ignorance was about to be discovered before her schoolmates reduced
+Pixie at one blow to a condition of abject despair.  She hung her head
+over her plate, and strove to avoid attention by keeping as quiet as
+possible.
+
+"They speak too quick.  It's rude to gabble!" she told herself
+resentfully.  "And I know some French meself.  `_J'ai, tu as, il a, nous
+sommes, vous etes, ils sont_.'  Listen at that, now!"  She felt a
+momentary thrill of triumph in her achievement, but it quickly faded
+away, as further efforts showed how scanty was the knowledge upon which
+she could draw.  "_Je suis faim_" was the only phrase which occurred at
+the moment, and appropriately enough too!  She stretched out her hand to
+take a second scone, but was immediately called to order by Miss
+Phipps's soft voice.
+
+"Bread-and-butter this time, Pixie!  You are not supposed to take scones
+until you have had at least three pieces of bread.  You must do as the
+other girls do, you know, dear!"
+
+"Oi like a relish to my tay!" sighed Pixie sadly, and five separate
+girls who happened to have their cups to their mouths at the moment,
+choked immediately, and had to be patted on the backs by their
+companions.  All the girls were laughing; even the victims smiled amidst
+their struggles, and Mademoiselle's brown eyes were sparkling with
+amusement.  There was not one of them half so beautiful as Esmeralda,
+nor so sweet as Bridgie, but they were good to look at all the same,
+reflected the new pupil critically.  Right opposite sat her three room-
+mates--Flora, plump and beaming; Kate, sallow and spectacled; Ethel, the
+curious, with a mane of reddish brown hair, which she kept tossing from
+side to side with a self-conscious, consequential air.  Margaret sat by
+Miss Phipps's side, and helped her by putting sugar and milk into the
+cups.  Glance where she would, she met bright, kindly smiles, and her
+friend on either side looked after her wants in the kindest of manners.
+Pixie did not know their names, so she addressed them indiscriminately
+as "darlin'," and was prepared to vow eternal friendship without waiting
+to be introduced.
+
+"Do you always speak French at meals?" she asked under cover of the
+general conversation a few minutes later, and the reply was even worse
+than her fears.
+
+"We are supposed to speak it always, except in the quarter of an hour
+before tea, and on Sundays, and holidays.  But of course, if you do not
+know a word you can ask Mademoiselle, or look it up in a dictionary, and
+the new girls get into it gradually.  Miss Phipps is a darling; she
+can't bear to see a girl unhappy, and of course it is difficult to get
+into school ways when you have been taught at home.  I have been here
+for two years, and am as happy as possible, though I cried myself sick
+the first week.  If you do what you are told and work hard, you will
+have a very good time at Holly House."
+
+Pixie looked dubious.
+
+"But aren't you ever naughty?" she asked anxiously.  "Not really bad,
+you know, but just mischeevious!  Don't you ever play tricks, or have
+pillow fights, or secret suppers up in your room, or dress up as bogeys
+to frighten the others?"
+
+"Certainly not!"  Eleanor Hopton was a proper and dignified young lady,
+and the straightness of her back was quite alarming as she frowned
+dissent at the new-comer.  "Frighten people, indeed!  Do you not call
+that naughty?  It's a wicked and dangerous thing to do, and you would be
+punished severely if you attempted it.  I have read of people who died
+of fright.  How would you feel if you played bogey, as you call it, to
+startle one of the girls, and she had a weak heart and died before your
+eyes?  You would feel pretty miserable then, I should say."
+
+"I would so!  I'd get the fright myself that time.  But suppers, now,--
+suppers don't hurt anyone!" urged Pixie, pushing aside one objectionable
+proposition and bringing forward the next with unconscious generalship.
+"Don't you ever smuggle things upstairs--sausages and cakes, and
+sardines and cream--and wake up early in the morning--early--early,
+before it is light--and eat them together, and pretend you are ladies
+and gentlemen, or shipwrecked mariners on desert islands, or wild
+Indians, or anything like that, and talk like they talk, and dance about
+the room?"
+
+"Cer-tain-ly not!  The very idea!" cried Eleanor once more.  "I never
+heard of anything so silly.  Why on earth should one sit up shivering to
+eat things in the middle of the night, when one can have them
+comfortably downstairs at the right hour?  I should not think of doing
+anything so foolish."
+
+Pixie sighed heavily.  This was England indeed!  For the first time
+since entering the house she realised that she was a stranger in a
+strange land.  Eleanor's calm commonsense was so entirely foreign to her
+nature that she felt a distinct chilling of the new affection.  The
+companion on her right looked more sympathetic, and she addressed her
+next remark in that direction.
+
+"We were for ever playing tricks on one another at home.  Bridgie and
+Esmeralda sleep in the same bed, and one day Pat--that's the second
+boy--the next but one to me--he went to Bridgie and he says, `I've
+played a fine joke on Esmeralda!  Ask no questions, but just wait up
+until she gets into bed to-night, and you'll have the best laugh you've
+had this side Christmas.'  Then off he goes to Esmeralda, and `Keep a
+secret!' says he.  `Let Bridget be the first to get into bed to-night.
+Make an excuse and sit up yourself to see the fun, for she'll have a
+fine surprise when she lies down.'  The girls guessed that they had been
+taking the laths off the bed, as they had done once or twice before, to
+let a visitor fall through on to the floor, and it was a very cold
+night, and they were tired, for they had been working hard mending the
+staircase carpet; and says Bridgie to Esmeralda, `Just hurry up, can't
+you!  I never did see such a girl for dawdling.  Get into bed,' she
+says, `and don't sit up all night.'  `Oh,' says Esmeralda, smiling,
+`I've a fancy to brush out me hair.  Take no notice of me, but just lie
+down and turn your face to the wall, and I'll be as quiet as a mouse.'
+`I never can sleep with a light in the room,' says Bridgie, quite
+testy...  I was in my own bed in the dressing-room, so I heard what they
+said, and was stuffing the bedclothes into my mouth not to laugh out,
+and spoil the fun.  `If you are going to make a night of it, I'll sit
+down and read, and you can let me know when you are ready.'  `You will
+catch cold sitting in that draught!'  Esmeralda says, her own teeth
+chattering, for it was mortal cold, and there was a hole in the window
+above her head, where Pat had thrown up a stone when he wanted to wake
+her one morning, and couldn't spare time to walk upstairs.  `And you
+know, Bridget, you are always delicate on the chest.'  `It'll be on your
+head, then,' says Bridgie, `if I _am_ made ill, keeping me up when I'm
+longing for my bed!  Come, dear,' wheedling her to see if she could get
+round that way, `leave it alone now, and I'll brush it for you in the
+morning.  It is beautiful hair, and Mrs Gallagher the laundress was
+saying to me this morning there wasn't its match in the country.'  And
+Esmeralda said afterwards that she was too cold for compliments, so she
+up and said it was her own hair, and she'd brush it when she liked, and
+how she liked, without interference from anyone; and at that they grew
+mad, and began quarrelling with each other, and throwing up everything
+that ever they did since they were short-coated, and meself lying
+trembling on me bed, to think what would happen next.  Joan--that's
+Esmeralda--she would have sat up all night, she's that obstinate, but
+Bridgie grew tired, and says she, `I'm not going to catch me death
+shivering here for all the jokes on earth, so here goes, and I don't
+care what happens!' and with that she throws herself down on the bed;
+and--would ye believe it?--nothing happened at all.  The bed was as
+right as it had been all its life, and the boys had had their joke
+without any trouble."
+
+Pixie finished in the midst of a dead silence, for one by one the
+speakers round the table had paused to listen to the soft Irish voice,
+and the story once begun had riveted attention.  Some of the girls
+laughed outright, some held down their heads to conceal their smiles,
+some nudged their companions and looked demurely at Miss Phipps to take
+their cue from her face.  She was undoubtedly smiling, but she looked
+worried all the same, and gave the signal for rising in a hurried
+manner, as if anxious to allow no time for comment.  The girls rose and
+filed slowly past, Pixie skipping complacently in front, with her arm
+round another new friend, whom she was prepared to adore even more
+fondly than the last.  Only Margaret remained behind to assist in
+putting the room in order, and when the door shut Miss Phipps looked at
+her under raised appealing brows.
+
+"I am afraid we have rather a difficult subject there, Margaret!  Poor
+little thing!  Her father says she has been allowed to run wild, and it
+will be difficult for her to get into school ways.  She doesn't mean to
+be forward, but of course we can't allow her to go on like this.  She
+must be taught wholesome respect and reticence, but I don't want to be
+too hard upon her at first.  She's a lovable little creature, and I've
+no doubt will be a favourite with the girls.  They like to be amused,
+and I fear they may encourage her for the sake of their own amusement.
+You must help me, dear, by setting a good example and checking her
+gently when she gets excited."
+
+"I'll try!" said Margaret, but she looked by no means hopeful of
+success.  "I did try before tea.  She was telling the most extraordinary
+tales about home, and I said it was not right to repeat such things, but
+she seemed quite puzzled.  She doesn't seem to have the same ideas that
+we have, or the same feelings about things."
+
+Miss Phipps sighed, and shook her head.
+
+"She is a difficult subject," she repeated anxiously; then her face
+lighted up suddenly and she began to laugh.  "But you can't help liking
+her!" she cried.  "Funny little mite!  I am growing quite fond of her
+already."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE.
+
+THE ALICE PRIZE.
+
+To the surprise of all concerned, Pixie took a very fair place in the
+school.  The sorely tried Miss Minnitt was by no means an accomplished
+woman, but what she did know she taught well, and she felt rewarded for
+her efforts when she heard that Miss Bruce, the English teacher, had
+remarked that Pixie had been well grounded, and knew more than many
+girls of her age.  The mixture of knowledge and ignorance which the
+child displayed was indeed incomprehensible to those who did not
+understand the conditions under which she had lived.  She was quite a
+botanist in a small way, could discourse like any farmer on crops and
+tillages, was most sporting in her descriptions of shooting and hunting,
+and had an exhaustive understanding of, and sympathy with, the animal
+world, which seemed quite uncanny to town-bred girls.  Here, however,
+her knowledge stopped, and of the ways of the world, the hundred and one
+restrictions and obligations of society which come as second nature to
+most girls, she knew no more than a South Sea Islander dancing gaily
+upon the sands, and stringing shells in her dusky locks.  "I wish I was
+born a savage!" was indeed her daily reflection, as she buttoned her
+tight little frock, and wriggled to and fro in a vain search for
+comfort.
+
+"Now listen to me!" said Miss Bruce, at the end of the examination which
+was conducted after breakfast the day following Pixie's arrival.  "I am
+undecided which of two classes you shall join, so I am going to give you
+the choice.  The under-fourth would be comparatively easy, the upper-
+fourth would mean real hard work.  I think you could manage it, if you
+worked hard and determined to do your very, very best; but I tell you
+frankly it will not be easy.  If you would rather have a term in the
+lower class and work up gradually, I am willing to let it be so; but you
+must realise that it will be less good for yourself.  You seem to have a
+good memory and to learn quickly; but we don't like to force girls
+beyond their strength.  You would be the youngest girl in the upper-
+fourth."
+
+That decided the matter!  Pixie's heart had sunk at the mention of work;
+but the ecstatic prospect of being the baby of a class, of writing home
+to boast of her position, and of reminding her elders at frequent
+intervals of her own precocious cleverness, was too tempting to be
+resisted.  She pleaded eagerly for the upper-fourth, and came through
+the first morning's ordeal with gratifying success.  But, alas!
+afternoon brought a change of scene, for the girls retired to the
+schoolroom for "prep," and the new class-member stared in dismay at the
+work before her.
+
+"Is it for next week we are to learn it?" she asked, and when the answer
+came, "For to-morrow," she shrieked aloud in dismay.  "What!  The lot of
+it?  Grammar, and arithmetic, and geography?  All those pages, an'
+pages, and pages!  I couldn't finish to-day if I sat up all night!
+You're joking with me!  It isn't really and truly for to-morrow
+morning?"
+
+"It is indeed, my dear, worse luck!  Miss Bruce gives a terrible amount
+of prep, and you are bound to get through somehow.  Sometimes it is
+worse than this, and you feel simply frantic.  You are not allowed to go
+on after seven o'clock either, so there is no hope for you if you are
+not finished by that time."
+
+"Don't frighten her, Dora," said Kate kindly.  She looked through her
+spectacles at Pixie's woe-begone face, and smiled encouragement.  "It
+seems hopeless at first, but you will get accustomed to it in time.  I
+used to be in despair, but you get into the way of learning quickly, and
+picking out the things that are most important.  There's no time for
+talking, though.  Open your grammar and begin at once."
+
+"Hate grammar!" grumbled Pixie crossly.  "What's the use of it?  I can
+talk as well as I want to without bothering about grammar, and I don't
+understand it either!  Silly gibberish!"
+
+She wished with all her heart at that moment that she had been content
+with the seclusion of the lower-fourth; but she was not allowed to talk
+any more, for Clara called out an impatient "Hush!" and Florence stuck
+her fingers in her ears and looked so savage that it was impossible to
+disregard the warning.  Pixie read over the tiresome grammar, and then
+lay back in her seat studying the furniture of the room, and deciding on
+the improvements which she would make if Miss Phipps asked her advice on
+the subject of redecoration.  It was an engrossing subject, and would
+have kept her happily occupied for quite a long time, had not Kate
+jerked her elbow as a reminder, and pointed significantly to the
+history.  She had mentally constituted herself as friend-in-need to the
+new classmate, and was determined to do her duty by her, however little
+thanks she might receive; so she nudged, and nudged again, until Pixie
+resentfully opened the history book in its turn.
+
+History was interesting--it was just like a story!  When the prescribed
+portion had been read, she was anxious to learn what happened next, and
+read on and on until the watchful Kate suspected something wrong, and
+forcibly confiscated the book.
+
+"What are you reading the next chapter for?  A minute ago you were
+groaning because you had too much to do.  Finish the work that is given
+you before trying to do more!"
+
+"But there was an execution coming on.  I love executions!" sighed Pixie
+miserably.  "This is the best bit of the whole history, for there's no
+more fun when you get to the Georges.  They never have any murders, nor
+plots, nor blowings up."
+
+"You will get blown up if you interrupt like this!  How do you suppose I
+can learn with you chattering away all the time?" cried Clara, the
+irascible.  She glared at Pixie, and Pixie glared at her, and went on
+glaring long after the other had settled to work, with an intentness
+which seemed mysteriously connected with the movement of a stubbly lead
+pencil.  Presently she touched Kate softly, and there on the margin of
+the clean new book was exhibited the drawing of a dismembered head,
+glaring horribly over rule-of-three problems, and labelled "Clara" in
+largest round hand.  It was a very juvenile effort, but drawing was a
+family talent among the O'Shaughnessys, and the artist had been sharp to
+note the weak points of her subject, as well as to exaggerate them with
+cruel honesty.  The high forehead was doubled in height, the long upper
+lip stretched to abnormal length, the blots which did duty for eyes were
+really marvellously, astonishingly like Clara's in expression!  Kate
+pressed her handkerchief against her mouth, but the sound of her
+splutters was distinctly audible, and her companions looked up in
+amazement.  Kate laughing during prep was a sight which had never been
+witnessed before, and they stared at her in mingled surprise and envy.
+
+"What's the joke?" asked Marjorie wistfully.  "You might share it, I
+think, for I feel as if I should never smile again until the holidays.
+If there is anything amusing in these lessons to-night, I should like to
+have it pointed out, that's all!"
+
+"It's n-n-thing!" returned Kate, spluttering still.  Pixie had flipped
+over a page with a deft movement, and sat with hands folded on her lap,
+a picture of lamblike innocence.
+
+For the rest of the time allowed for preparation she worked really well,
+inspired by the remembrance that she had made Kate laugh, and drawn a
+caricature which even Esmeralda herself must have approved.
+
+About half-past seven came supper, and after supper prayers, and after
+prayers bed, and an interesting conversation with the three room-mates.
+
+"Which is the nicest girl in the school?"  Pixie asked, going at once to
+the most important point, and fondly hoping that she might listen to her
+own name by way of answer.  She was doomed to disappointment, however,
+for though there was a difference of opinion, her name was not even
+mentioned.
+
+"Margaret!" said Kate.
+
+"Lottie!" cried Flora.
+
+"Clara!" cried Ethel; and they proceeded to argue the question between
+themselves.
+
+"Margaret is an angel.  She is sweet to everyone.  She never says an
+unkind word."
+
+"Lottie is so bright and clever.  She is first in almost every single
+class."
+
+"Clara is so sensible.  She doesn't make a fuss, and gush over
+everything, as Lottie does; but if she says she will be your friend, she
+keeps her word, and always tries to do you a good turn."
+
+"That's the way with meself," said Pixie modestly.  "I'm the soft-
+heartedest creature!  You three girls are me best friends because ye
+share me room, and I'll stick to you, whatever trouble ye're in.  Ye
+need never be afraid to come to me, for the worse ye are, the better
+I'll like ye!"
+
+"Ho, ho, ho!" laughed Kate shrilly.  Flora chuckled to herself in fat,
+good-natured fashion, and Ethel tossed her mane and said--
+
+"I can quite believe it, but if you will excuse my saying so, I think
+the trouble is more likely to come to you than to us!  If you go on
+behaving as you have done the last two days, you will be in need of
+friends yourself, my dear, so don't say I haven't warned you."
+
+"Behaving as I have done!  Get into trouble meself!" echoed Pixie
+blankly.  "And what for, please?  What have I done?  I promised Bridgie
+before I left that I would behave meself, and not disgrace the family,
+and I've kept me word.  I've not been naughty once the whole time
+through."
+
+"Don't say `naughty,' child, as if you were a baby two years old!  You
+may not have done anything wrong from your point of view, but you have
+broken half a dozen rules all the same.  You planted yourself in front
+of the fire when the fifth-form girls were in the room, and never
+offered to give up your place even when Margaret herself came in.  Not
+one of the old girls would think of doing such a thing.  And you
+answered back when Miss Phipps spoke to you at tea--and told a story so
+loud that everyone could hear!"
+
+"And small blame to me if I did!  It _was_ the dullest meal I ever sat
+through, and I thought I would do you a kindness by waking you up!"
+returned Pixie defiantly.  She did not at all approve of Clara's
+attitude of fault-finding, and was up in arms at once in her own
+defence.  "I have been brought up to make meself agreeable, and when
+Miss Phipps spoke to me, wasn't I obliged to give a civil answer?  And I
+was cold when I sat before the fire.  Are fifth-form girls colder than
+anyone else, that they must have all the heat?"
+
+"You know perfectly well what I mean, or if you don't, you are a stupid
+child, and you needn't fly into a temper when I tell you your mistakes.
+You want to get on, I suppose, and take a good place in the school, so
+you ought to be grateful to anyone who tries to keep you out of
+trouble."
+
+In the seclusion of her cubicle Pixie made a grimace, the reverse of
+appreciative, but she stifled her feelings in her desire for
+information, and asked the next question on her list.
+
+"How often in the year do you get prizes?"
+
+"Once.  At the end of the summer term.  There's a chance for you now!
+Work hard for six months, and win the class prize!"
+
+Flora chuckled with amusement at the idea, but Pixie considered the
+subject seriously for a good two minutes, and found it altogether
+agreeable.  She saw a vision of herself walking forward to receive her
+honours while the elder girls sat in a row, subdued and envious, and
+tasted in advance the ecstasy of the moment.
+
+"What sort of prizes do they give you--books?"
+
+"Books, of course.  Improving books.  Poets, with nice soft backs, and
+Dutch Republics in calf, and things like that.  The sort of book you are
+awfully proud of, but hardly ever read.  You put it carefully in a
+bookcase, and admire the binding.  You can always tell a prize a yard
+off, it looks so smart and gilt, and unopened.  I've seen rows of them
+in some houses, all ranged together with their little silk markers
+hanging out at the bottom, as smooth and uncrumpled as if they had never
+been moved; and the owners take them down and show you the inscription
+on the first page, to prove how good and clever they were when they were
+at school!"
+
+"Ah!"  Pixie drew a rapturous sigh, seeing herself be-capped and
+shawled, in the act of exhibiting her own spoils to a bevy of admiring
+grandchildren.  The great point seemed to be to have the inscription as
+striking as possible, so she inquired anxiously if the class prize was
+the highest that could be obtained.
+
+"She's ambitious, girls, isn't she?  The class prize isn't enough for
+her, you notice!" cried Ethel, splashing her face with cold water, and
+interposing her remarks with audible shudderings.  "Yes, there's one
+thing higher--the `Alice Prize,' we call it, because it is given by the
+father of a certain Alice who used to be at school here, and who died at
+the end of her last term.  She was Lottie's sister; but Lottie is not in
+the least like her, for she was very shy and nervous, and the girls
+teased her a great deal, and she took it to heart and made herself
+miserable.  After her death it was found that she had kept a diary, and
+written down all her troubles; and her parents read it, and tried to
+think what they could do to prevent any other girl suffering as she had
+done.  At last they thought of offering this prize--it is given every
+year--five pounds' worth of books, which you can choose for yourself.
+You can get a lot of books for five pounds, and it is given to the girl
+who is kindest and most considerate to others.  She has to be nice to
+new girls, and answer their questions, and be patient with them, as I am
+being with you, my dear, at the present moment, and dry their little
+eyes when they weep, and cheer them up when they are low in their minds.
+And she has to be careful not to hurt other people's feelings, and to
+use her influence to stop a joke when it is going too far.  Oh, and a
+dozen other things which you can imagine for yourself!  The girls know
+best who deserves the prize, and they vote at the end of the year, and
+whoever gets most votes gets the prize."
+
+"Who got it last year?"
+
+"Margaret, of course.  So she would every time, but the same person is
+not allowed to have it two years running.  A good thing, too, for we
+should all feel that it was no use competing with her, and so give up
+trying."
+
+"And who do you think will get it this year?"
+
+"Oh dear me!  How many more questions?  Myself, of course, for answering
+you so kindly.  If you don't vote for me, young woman, there'll be a
+coldness between us, and so I tell you.  Flora thinks she will get it,
+but it won't be fair if she does, for she is so fat that she couldn't be
+anything else than good-natured if she tried.  Now I have really a
+violent temper, but I keep it in check.  I can't answer any more
+questions, though.  Time's up.  I give you all two minutes more, and
+then I must put out the light."
+
+"Let me do it!  I'll put it out!  You get into your bed and keep warm,
+and I'll wait upon you!" cried Pixie eagerly; and, to her dismay, there
+came a simultaneous burst of laughter from all three listeners.
+
+"She's Alicing," they cried--"she's Alicing!  Nothing like beginning in
+time, and making the most of your opportunities.  So you want that prize
+too, do you, as well as the class one?  It's a bad lookout for the rest
+of the girls.  There won't be anything left for us to try for."
+
+Pixie stood transfixed within her cubicle, staring before her with
+bewildered eyes.  As it had been her delight to wait upon her beloved
+sisters, it had come naturally to wish to help these girls who, for the
+time, had taken their place in her life.  She had made her offer in all
+good faith, and her heart swelled with bitterness at the injustice of
+the accusation.  A rush of honest Irish pride forbade an answer; but the
+tears came to her eyes as she lay down in bed, and the loneliness of
+exile fell upon her.  Bally William, oh, dear Bally William, how are you
+looking to-night?  Is everything going on as usual, though Pixie
+O'Shaughnessy is far away in a cold, cruel land where no one knows her,
+and her best motives are misjudged and derided?  Beautiful old castle,
+standing among your luxuriant green, are the lamps lit in your rooms,
+and twinkling like so many stars into the night?  And there, where the
+red curtains are drawn so snugly, are the boys and girls gathered round
+the fire, the flames lighting up Bridgie's sweet face and Esmeralda's
+stormy beauty?  Oh, boys and girls, are you thinking of Pixie--your own
+little Pixie?
+
+"How that child does snort!" muttered Ethel impatiently.  "It seems to
+be our luck to have all the snorers in this room."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX.
+
+A NOVEL AMUSEMENT.
+
+During the weeks which followed, "Pixie's Prep" became a by-word among
+her companions, for no amount of goading seemed sufficient to keep her
+attention from roaming from her books during the hours when it was most
+necessary that she should give them her undivided attention.  However
+sturdily she might begin, in ten minutes' time her eyes were wandering
+about the room, she was scribbling on the margin of her book, or
+twisting her handkerchief into a new variety of rag doll.  The well-
+meaning Kate, finding frowns and nudges losing their effect, resorted to
+more drastic measures, such as the prick of a pin, or a tug of the elf-
+like locks; but the victim's howls and protestations not only disturbed
+her companions, but took so long to pacify that the experiment had to be
+abandoned.
+
+How Pixie managed to sustain even her very low place in the class was a
+wonder to her companions; but in truth she had an unusually quick brain,
+so that when she chose to apply herself she learnt as much as slower
+girls would do in twice the time, while her Irish wit enabled her to
+place her scraps of knowledge in the most advantageous light, and
+rescued her from awkward questionings.  Nowhere was this faculty more
+marked than in French, of which she knew least, yet in which subject she
+made the most rapid progress.  It was clear to a pair of uncommonly
+sharp eyes that Miss Phipps's leniency would some day come to an end,
+and that she would then find herself in the position of being obliged
+either to speak French or not to speak at all.  To a born chatterbox the
+latter alternative seemed the acme of misery, so it behoved her to
+prepare for speech before the dread verdict was given, which she did in
+a manner astonishing to her companions.  Of French grammar she had the
+poorest opinion, but she was sharp as a magpie to pick up the phrases of
+others and store them for her own use.  The morning after Mademoiselle
+had suffered from a headache, Pixie's handkerchief was soaked with
+offerings of eau-de-Cologne, from the various girls to whom she had
+repeated ejaculations of distress; she discoursed exhaustively upon the
+weather to every one who could be induced to listen, and recited
+exercise phrases to the school cat until her tongue grew quite nimble
+over the words.
+
+Mademoiselle was an object of intense interest and curiosity to her new
+pupil.  She was the first foreigner whom Pixie had known, and there was
+something in her dark, eager face which arrested the child's attention.
+Mademoiselle was quick and nervous, subject to fits of unreasonable
+irritation; but at other times there was a sad, far-away look in her
+eyes, and then her voice would take a softer cadence, so that when she
+said "Cherie," one pupil at least forgot all the scoldings which had
+gone before.  Pixie felt irresistibly drawn to Mademoiselle in her hours
+of depression.  She could not have explained the attraction, but in her
+heart she felt that they were both exiles, and that Mademoiselle pined
+for her own sunny land, even as she pined for the dear green isle which
+seemed so far away.  She longed for Mademoiselle to notice her, to show
+her some special mark of favour, but longed in vain, until at last a day
+dawned which brought her into notice in a manner which was scarcely to
+her liking.
+
+It was a wet Saturday afternoon, and wet Saturday afternoons are
+abominations to every boarding-school girl, and the cause of endless
+grumblings and repinings.  Ethel and Kate had gone out to tea with an
+old maiden lady who lived in the neighbourhood, and had still further
+deepened their friend's depression before departing by drawing a most
+roseate picture of the joys before them.
+
+"She is awfully kind," they had explained of their hostess; "she gives
+you the most galumptious teas, and the best part of it is, she has an e-
+normous appetite herself, so you can eat as much as you like, without
+fear of looking greedy!"
+
+No wonder the poor stay-at-homes looked glum after this; no wonder they
+sighed with envy as they thought of the thick bread-and-butter in store
+for themselves.  The elder girls provided themselves with books, and sat
+in rows before the fire, while artistic spirits set themselves copies,
+and filled up page after page of their sketching-books.  Flora stitched
+on a table-centre destined to be a birthday present for her mother, and
+the younger girls clustered round Pixie, and besought her to think of
+some new means of amusement.
+
+"Think of something, Pixie-doo!  It's so dull, and we are sick of the
+stupid old games.  What did you do at home when it rained and you
+couldn't go out?"
+
+"I've never seen it rain hard enough to keep me indoors if I wanted to
+be out," returned Pixie, with a toss of the head; "but I've had fine fun
+indoors sometimes when I didn't feel disposed for exertion.  Ratting in
+the barn is good sport, or grooming the pony, or feeding the animals,
+and pretending it is the Zoo; but you can't do those things here.  It's
+hard to think of anything amusing when you are shut up in one room."
+
+"We can go out on the landing, if we like; I vote we do, and be by
+ourselves.  The fifth forms are sure to tell us not to, the moment we
+have thought of something nice.  Come along now, before they notice us!"
+
+No sooner said than done.  The little band of conspirators slipped from
+the room, and stood without on the square landing, five short-frocked
+girls all gazing eagerly, confidently, into the face of their leader.
+
+"Pixie, what shall we do?"
+
+Pixie racked her brains in despair, for not a single idea would come to
+her aid, and yet to acknowledge such a want of invention would have been
+to forfeit her position, and therefore not to be thought of for a
+second.  Her eyes roamed from side to side, and lit upon a table on
+which some working materials happened to be lying.  A basket, a folded
+length of cloth, and a roll of wide green binding such as was used to
+edge old-fashioned window-curtains.  Pixie looked at it thoughtfully,
+fingered it to ascertain its weight, shook it out to discover its
+length, and cried eagerly--
+
+"Just the thing!  Might have been made for it.  Would you like to see me
+lasso the next person who comes upstairs?"
+
+"Lasso!"  The girls were not quite sure of the meaning of the word, but
+Pixie explained it, suiting the action to the word.
+
+A lasso was a rope with a noose at one end--so! and it was used to catch
+wild horses, or anything else you happened to chase.  You stood with the
+rope gathered up in your hand--so! and then took aim and sent it flying
+out suddenly--so!  Pat could do it beautifully, and he had taught her
+too, but she could not always manage very well.  If you caught a girl
+from above, she would be startled out of her wits, and squeal like
+anything.  It would be splendid fun.  The next one, then, who came
+upstairs!
+
+The girls were divided between horror and delight.  Dared she?  Really!
+Would it hurt?  What would Miss Phipps say?  Did she really think she
+ought?  But their agitation acted as fuel to Pixie's determination, and
+she would only laugh and lean over the banisters, experimenting with the
+long green rope, and altering the length until it met with her approval.
+
+Five minutes passed, and nobody appeared; ten minutes, and the
+conspirators were beginning to grow impatient, when from below came the
+unmistakable sound of an ascending footstep.  The orders of the chief
+had been that when this happened her attendants were to withdraw to a
+safe distance, so that no movement nor sound of muffled laughter should
+warn the victim of her peril; so the girls retreated obediently, leaving
+Pixie to crouch on the floor until the eventful moment when a head
+appeared on the landing six steps below.  It came--the top of a smooth,
+brown head, and on the moment out flew the rope, whirled into space with
+a skilful jerk which sent the noose flying wide, and with an accuracy of
+aim which brought it right round the neck of the new-comer.  She
+squealed indeed, but horror of horrors! she squealed in French, with
+such staccato "Oh's" and "Ah's" of astonishment as could only have come
+from one person in the house.  It was Mademoiselle herself! and lifting
+her glance she beheld six horrified faces peering at her over the
+banisters, six pairs of startled eyes, six mouths agape with dismay.
+She looked, and then, as it seemed with one stride, was in their midst,
+with her hands gripping Pixie by the shoulders.
+
+Now it happened that Mademoiselle was in her most irritable mood this
+afternoon, for all day long she had been struggling against what, for
+convenience' sake, she called a headache, but which might more honestly
+have been described as a heartache instead.  A teacher cannot explain to
+thirty pupils that she has received a letter from home which has seemed
+to drop a veil before the sky, but such letters come all the same, and
+make it difficult to bear the hundred and one little annoyances and
+trials of temper which fall to her lot.  Mademoiselle's letter had told
+of the illness of a beloved father, and as she dared not sit down and
+have a good cry to relieve her feelings, she was an a pent-up state of
+nerves which made her the worst possible subject for a practical joke.
+The rope in Pixie's hand marked her out as the principal offender, and
+she was called to order in a breathless stream of French which left her
+dumb and bewildered.
+
+"I--I can't understand!" she stammered, and Mademoiselle struggled to
+express herself in sufficiently expressive English.  "You bad girl!  You
+rude, bad girl!  What 'ave you done?  What you mean playing your treecks
+on me?  I will not 'ave it.  I will complain to Miss Phipps.  How dare
+you throw your strings about to catch me as I come upstairs!
+Impertinent!  Disobedient!"
+
+"P-please, Mademoiselle, it was a lasso!  I didn't know it was you.  I
+said I would do it to the first person who came, and I didn't see your
+face.  It was only a joke."
+
+"A joke!  You catch me by the throat, you 'ang me by the neck, and you
+call it a joke!  You wicked, impertinent girl, you shall be punished for
+this!"
+
+Pixie heaved a sigh so sepulchral that it might almost have been called
+a groan instead.
+
+"It's just my luck!" she said dismally.  "When I tried to show off
+before Pat and the girls, I couldn't do it one time in a hundred, and
+just now, when I'd have no credit, but only get into trouble, I caught
+you the very first try!"
+
+Did she mean to be impertinent?  Mademoiselle looked down with sharp
+suspicion, but even in her excited condition she could not mistake that
+downcast look, and troubled, disconsolate frown.  Her voice grew a
+trifle less sharp, but she was very angry still.
+
+"You ought to be ashamed playing such treecks!  It is always the same
+thing--there is no peace since you 'ave come.  These girls were quite
+good and mild, but you make them as wild as yourself.  I will teach you
+to be'ave better.  You will come with me to the schoolroom and write out
+a verrrb!"
+
+"I will, Mademoiselle," said Pixie meekly, so meekly that her companions
+fondly hoped that such exemplary submission would win forgiveness; but
+no, Mademoiselle flounced downstairs, and Pixie followed at her heels,
+to seat herself in solitary state at one end of the deserted schoolroom,
+while Mademoiselle took possession of the desk and began to correct a
+pile of exercise books.
+
+To write out a verb is not, as a rule, a very lengthy matter, but
+Mademoiselle's punishment verbs had invariably a phrase attached which
+gave to them an added appropriateness, but very much lengthened the
+task.  "I am sorry that I was rude to Mademoiselle" was the verb which
+poor Pixie was to-day condemned to conjugate, and the big straggling
+sentences amplified the statement until it seemed impossible to express
+it in any other way.  "I am sorry that I was rude to Mademoiselle--I was
+sorry that I was rude to Mademoiselle--I shall or will be sorry that I
+was rude to Mademoiselle."
+
+At intervals of every two or three minutes Mademoiselle glanced from her
+work to the little figure at the other end of the room, but each time
+Pixie's head was bent over her task, and the wandering eyes were glued
+to their task.  Such industry seemed so unnatural that the onlooker
+became first puzzled and then uneasy, and at last resorted to coughing
+and moving about in her chair in order to satisfy curiosity.  In vain!
+Pixie's head went down lower than ever, and the pen scratched away
+without a moment's cessation, for she was enduring that unreasoning
+panic of fear which sensitive children suffer when they are in disgrace
+with their elders.  She had been brought up in an atmosphere of tender
+indulgence, had been the adored baby of the household, who had never
+heard the sound of an angry voice, so that now, to sit alone in a room
+with a person whom she had displeased, reduced her to a condition of
+trembling fear.  Her eyelids felt weighed down, a lump rose in her
+throat, and she trembled as with cold, and then presently the dreaded
+voice spoke again, and Mademoiselle said--
+
+"Pixie, come here.  Bring your verrrb!"
+
+The wretched scribe had not yet finished her conjugation, being about
+imperatively to command herself to be sorry that she had been rude to
+Mademoiselle, but she was too nervous to explain, and stood twisting her
+hands together and staring at the carpet, while Mademoiselle turned over
+the pages.  She bit her lips once or twice as she read, and her eyes
+twinkled, but Pixie did not see that, and the voice which spoke sounded
+alarmingly stern.
+
+"It is ver' badly written.  You make your letters too big; and such
+blots!  I cannot 'ave such blots.  What 'ave you been doing to make such
+blots as these?"
+
+"They are not blots, please, Mademoiselle; they are only--"
+
+"Only what then?"
+
+"Spots!"
+
+"Spots!" echoed Mademoiselle blankly.  "Spots--blots!  Blots--spots!  I
+do not understand.  What is then the difference between blots and
+spots?"
+
+"Blots is made with ink,"--when Pixie was agitated, as at the present
+moment, grammar was by no means her strong point--"and spots is made
+with--with--"
+
+"_Eh bien_!  And with what, then?"
+
+"T-tears!" came the answer in the softest echo of a voice, and
+Mademoiselle looked down at the woe-begone face with startled eyes.
+
+"Tears!  Your tears!  But why should you cry?  It is not so dreadful to
+write a verrrb.  I might have given you worse punishment than that.
+Perhaps it was because you had missed the afternoon with your friends.
+I cannot think a girl of your age should cry over a simple verrrb."
+
+"I thought it was a very elaborate verb!" said Pixie faintly.  "But it
+wasn't that that made me cry; it was hurting your feelings,
+Mademoiselle!"
+
+Mademoiselle leant back in her seat and looked intently at the shrinking
+figure.
+
+"Look up, _cherie_!" she said softly, and Pixie's fear fell from her
+like a mantle.  She saw a hand outstretched, and clasped it eagerly.
+
+"I never meant to hang you, Mademoiselle!  It was only a joke.  The
+girls asked me to amuse them, and we think it fine sport to lasso one
+another at home.  How was I to know it would be you, when I gave my word
+I would catch the first one that came upstairs?  I didn't mean to be
+impertinent."
+
+"But, _ma petite_, you should not play such treecks at all!"
+Mademoiselle shook her head, but she was smiling as she spoke, for she
+was beginning to realise that no disrespect had been meant to herself,
+and that she had been unduly stern in her denunciations.  "It is not the
+thing for a young lady at school; it is only for wild--how do you call
+them--`cowboys,' out on the prairie.  If you do it at 'ome, it is not my
+affair, but if your father should see you some day, he must be shocked
+like me!"
+
+"I'm the youngest of six, and me father won't have me thwarted!" sighed
+Pixie, lapsing into her brogue, as she usually did when agitated.
+"Nobody's ever angry with me at Bally William; I get into mischief the
+day long, and it's all quite happy and comfortable.  If I'm quiet and
+well-behaved, Bridgie is after giving me a mixture, for, says she, `The
+choild's ill; there's not been a sound out of her this day!'  I wish I
+was back in me own country, Mademoiselle, and then I shouldn't trouble
+you any more!"
+
+"I vish I was back in my countree, too," sighed the other softly, and
+two big tears started in the brown eyes, and trickled slowly down the
+cheeks.  "My father is ill, and needs me, and I cannot be with him.  I
+feel as if I could have wings and fly, I long so much to go; but I must
+stay here and work.  My 'eart is very sad, and sometimes I get cross--
+too cross, perhaps, because I cannot bear any more.  Then you girls talk
+among yourselves and say, `How she is bad-tempered, that Mademoiselle!
+How she is cross and strict!'  That is what you say very often, _n'est-
+ce pas_?"
+
+"We do!" replied Pixie frankly.  It was one of the Irishisms which
+amused her companions that she never by any chance gave a simple "Yes"
+or "No" in reply to a question.  It was always "I am!"  "I will!"  "I
+do!" as the case might be.
+
+"We do!" she replied now, and then hastened to soften the admission by a
+coaxing, "But I wouldn't be troubling meself about that, if I were you,
+for they don't mind it a bit.  I drew a picture of you the other day
+with a bubble coming out of your mouth, and `Bow-wow-wow' written on it
+like a dog, because you are always barking; but there isn't a bite in
+ye, and all the girls say you aren't half as bad as the Mademoiselle who
+was here before!"
+
+Well!  There are some conditions of mind when we are thankful for the
+smallest grain of comfort, and Mademoiselle smiled and flicked the tears
+from her eyes.
+
+"They are too kind!  I am much obliged; but another time, when I `bark'
+as you call it, you will perhaps remember that your teachers are like
+yourselves, and 'ave the same feelings.  When you come first to school
+you have to be comforted because you are 'ome-sick, but we are 'ome-sick
+too; and when you get bad news you cry, and are excused your work, but
+we must go on the same as before; and if it is difficult to learn your
+lessons, it is also difficult to teach!  Well, now you may go!  You will
+remember not to be rude to Mademoiselle again, eh?"
+
+She held out her hand, smiling more brightly this time, and Pixie seized
+it eagerly.
+
+"I will!  And I hope your father will get well soon.  You will see him
+at Christmas, and that isn't very long now; only forty-eight days to-
+morrow.  I mark them off on my calendar."
+
+"No, that is so sad, I shall not see him until summer!  He is going to
+my brother in Italy, where it is warm and sunny, and it is too far for
+me to go there with him.  It costs too much money, and the little house
+in Paris will be shut up till he returns, so I must stay in England all
+through the dark, long winter, when the sun never shines, and I shiver,
+shiver, shiver all day and all night!  I shall forget what it is like to
+be warm before the spring arrives!"
+
+Pixie rubbed the cold hands with a sympathetic touch, but she made no
+remark, and presently went from the schoolroom to rejoin her companions
+and make the most of the hours which still remained, while Mademoiselle
+went wearily on with the task of correction.  She forgot all about her
+own complaints of cold, but when she retired to bed that night a
+delightful surprise was in store, for the sheets were warm instead of
+cold, and her chilled feet came in contact with something soft and hot,
+which proved upon examination to be an indiarubber water-bottle encased
+in a flannel bag.  Mademoiselle drew a long gasp of rapture, and nestled
+down again with a feeling of comfort to which she had long been a
+stranger.  A day or two earlier, Miss Phipps had spoken of the necessity
+of putting more coverings on the beds, as the frost had set in unusually
+early, and Mademoiselle sleepily attributed this new comfort as another
+instance of the Principal's consideration for her assistants.  She felt
+certain that it must be so, as night after night the welcome warmth was
+in waiting, and more than once determined to express her appreciation;
+but life was busy, and there was such an accumulation of work as the
+period of examination approached, that there seemed no time to speak of
+anything but school affairs.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN.
+
+TERM-HOLIDAY.
+
+Flora and Kate and Ethel were sitting with their classmates discussing
+the day's work, and Pixie O'Shaughnessy had drawn her stool beside them,
+and was putting in a remark at every possible opportunity.  It made her
+feel grown-up and important to join in the conferences of the older
+girls, and though in words they might say, "Run away, Pixie!" it
+generally happened that someone moved to the side of her chair to make
+an extra place, or that an arm stretched out to encircle the tiny waist.
+Even sixth-form girls like to be amused occasionally as if they were
+ordinary mortals, and Pixie was welcomed because she made them laugh and
+forget their trials and troubles, in the shape of Latin and Euclid and
+German idioms which refused to be unravelled.  Two or three of the older
+pupils were going in for the Cambridge Examination at Christmas, and all
+were looking forward to the school exams at the end of the term, so that
+anxiety was heavy upon them.
+
+"My brain feels like jelly!  It _won't_ work.  I shall be getting
+softening of the brain at this rate!" sighed Flora, rubbing her cheeks
+up and down between her bands until she looked like a fat indiarubber
+doll.  "I keep mixing things up until I don't seem to have a clear idea
+left, and my mother has set her heart on my taking a good place.  She
+will look sad if I come out bottom, and I do hate and detest people
+looking sad!  I would far rather they scolded, and had done with it!"
+
+"My people don't worry their heads about lessons.  They sent me to
+school because they think it polishes a girl, and rubs off the angles,
+don't you know!" said Lottie, with an air.  She was the richest girl in
+the school, who took all the extras, and put her name down for every
+concert and entertainment, without thinking of the expense.  Her parents
+had a house in town to which they came regularly every spring, during
+which season Lottie's friends received many delightful invitations.  She
+had unlimited pocket-money also, and was lavish in gifts to those who
+happened to be in her favour, a fact which a certain number of girls
+found it impossible to banish from their minds; and thus Lottie held a
+little court over which she reigned as queen, while the more earnest-
+minded of the pupils adored Margaret, and would hear no one compared to
+the sweet "school-mother."  Clara was a Margaret-worshipper, so she felt
+in duty bound to snub Lottie on this as on every possible occasion.
+
+"I don't see much polish about _you_!" she retorted brutally.  "And it's
+ridiculous to come to school at all, if you don't mean to work.  If it's
+only `pruins and prism' you want, why didn't you go to board with a
+dancing-mistress, and practise how to come in and out of a room, and bow
+to your friends, and cut your old schoolfellows when you meet them in
+the road?  You'd find it useful, my dear!"
+
+The last sentence was a deliberate hit, for a former pupil had reported
+that, during a visit to a well-known watering-place, when she herself
+was returning unkempt and sandy from a cockling expedition, she had
+encountered Lottie walking on the parade with a number of fashionable
+visitors, and that, after one hasty glance in her direction, Miss Lottie
+had become so wonderfully interested in what was going on at the other
+side of the road that she altogether forgot to return her bow.  Needless
+to say, Lottie had been reminded more than once of this incident, so
+that even Pixie, the newest comer, was familiar with its incidents,
+though she could not bring herself to believe in such deliberate
+snobbery.  To-day, as Lottie flushed, and Margaret looked a pained
+reproach, it was Pixie who rushed to the rescue, wriggling about in her
+seat, and clasping and unclasping her hands in the earnestness of her
+defence.
+
+"Clara Montagu, you've no business accusing Lottie!  You weren't there,
+so you can't tell!  Perhaps the sun was in her eyes.  You can't see a
+man from a woman when it's shining full in your face, though they may
+see you clear enough, and believe you're shamming.  Or perhaps the dust
+was blowing.  I've been blind meself with dust before now, and come into
+the house looking as though I'd been crying for weeks.  Why should she
+pretend not to know a friend--least of all when she'd been cockling?
+'Deed, I'd have been more affectionate than ever, in the hope she'd say,
+`Help yourself, me dear!  Lend me your handkerchief, and I'll give ye a
+nice little bundle to take home for your tea!'"
+
+The Margaret-girls gave a simultaneous shriek of laughter at the idea of
+Miss Lottie carrying a handkerchief full of cockles, and even the
+Lottie-girls smiled approvingly at the little speaker, for was she not
+advocating the position of their chief?  Flora nodded encouragingly
+across the hearth and cried, "Good for you, Pixie!  Never listen to
+second-hand stories against your friends!"  And Kate added meaningly,
+"Go on believing in human nature as long as you can, my dear.  You're
+young yet.  When you are as old as I am it will be time to open your
+eyes.  But to go back to the last subject but one, don't you give way to
+nerves, girls, and begin worrying about the exams already.  I've noticed
+that just about the middle of the term there always comes a
+`discouragement stage' to anyone who is anxious to do well.  The first
+energy with which one begins work has worn off, and as it is too soon
+for the final spurt, there comes a dull, flat time, when one worries and
+frets and gets down in the lowest depths of dumps.  I spoke about it at
+home, and my father says every worker feels the same--artists when they
+are painting pictures, and authors when they are writing books.  They
+have an idea, and set to work, all delight and excitement, believing
+that they are going to do the best thing they have ever done.  For a
+little time all goes well, and then they begin to grow discouraged and
+worried, and think they might as well give it up at once, for it is
+going to be a dismal failure.  They know _something_ is wrong, but they
+can't see what it is, and they mope about, and don't know what to try
+next.  Father told me a story about Millais, the man who painted
+`Bubbles,' you know, and heaps of other beautiful things.  He was so
+miserable about a picture once that he grew quite ill worrying about it.
+His wife tried to persuade him to leave it alone for a few days, and
+then take a rest; but no, he would not hear of it, so one fine day, when
+he was out, she just took the law into her own hands and had it carried
+down and hidden in the cellar.  When he came home he went straight to
+the studio, and--my dears!  I am glad I didn't happen to be in the
+house, that's all.  I know what my father is like when he can't find a
+clothes-brush, or someone has moved the matches out of the dressing-
+room.  Millais raged about like a wild animal, but his wife was quite
+firm and determined, and wouldn't tell him where it was for several
+days.  He was obliged to go out and interest himself in other ways, and
+when he was quite well again she had the picture brought up, and he
+simply looked at it and laughed.  He knew at once what was wrong, and
+how to put it right."
+
+"I say," cried Flora eagerly, "do tell that story to Miss Phipps!  She
+might give us a week's holiday and send us to see the sights of London!
+Do, Kate!  Get it up in French and tell it to-night at tea.  You don't
+know how much good it might do!"
+
+"It's a very good story, but I fail to see where the moral comes in.  It
+hardly applies to us, I think," said Clara, in her superior manner, and
+Kate breathlessly vindicated her position.
+
+"Yes, it does--of course it does.  It shows that this anxious stage is a
+natural thing which all workers have to live through, and even if we
+can't leave off lessons altogether, we can help ourselves by not giving
+way to nerves, but going steadily on, knowing that we shall feel all
+right again in a few days.  Besides, there's the Exeat coming,--that
+will make a nice break."
+
+"I never worry about lessons, do I?" cried Pixie, pluming herself
+complacently.  The part of Kate's lecture which had dealt with over-
+anxiety about work had appealed with special force to one listener at
+least, and Pixie was delighted to find that she was free from failing in
+one direction at least.  "I never did.  Miss Minnitt--that's the one who
+used to teach us--she said I never paid any attention at all.  There was
+one day she was questioning me about grammar.  `Pixie O'Shaughnessy,'
+she says, `you've been over this one page until it's worn transparent.
+For pity's sake,' she says, `be done with it, and get on to something
+fresh.  Let me see if you can remember to-day what I taught you
+yesterday afternoon.  How many kinds of verbs are there?'  `There are
+two,' I said, and with that she was all smiles and noddings.  `So there
+are, now.  You're quite right.  And what will be their names?'  `Verb
+and adverb,' says I, quite haughty; and the howl that went out of her
+you might have heard from Cork to Galway!  That was all the grammar
+she'd managed to teach _me_!"
+
+"You don't know very much more now, do you, chicken?" said Margaret,
+bending her head so that her cheek rested upon the rough, dark head.
+"Just bring your books to me any time you get puzzled, and I'll try to
+make it clear.  Talking of the term-holiday, girls, it is time we began
+to make our plans.  How many of you are going out?  Lottie, are you?
+Clara?  Kate?  Pixie?  We had better find out first how many will be
+here."
+
+Clara had had hopes that the maiden lady with the appetite would rise to
+the occasion, but, alas! she had betaken herself to stay with a
+relative, Pixie was sure that Jack could not spare time to have her for
+a whole day, and besides, she was going to have tea with him the
+Saturday before.  All the girls seemed fated to spend the holiday at
+school save only the two sisters, Mabel and Violet, who were to be
+entertained by a kind aunt, and to choose their own entertainment for
+the afternoon, and Lottie, who was fortunate as usual.
+
+"I am doubly engaged for the evening!" she announced with a flourish.
+"I wrote home to my people about the holiday, and mother asked some
+friends to have me for part of the day.  They live in a regular
+mansion--as big as two or three houses like this rolled into one, and
+they know all sorts of grand people!  I am going to dinner, and it's
+most exciting, for I don't know whom I may meet!"
+
+"The Prince and Princess of Wales are at Sandringham!  What a pity!"
+sighed Kate, the sarcastic.  "It's so awfully trying to come down to
+Lords and Ladies, don't you know!  You will hardly trouble to put on
+your best dress, I should think.  The pea-green satin with the pink
+flounces will be good enough for them!"
+
+The Margaret-girls laughed hysterically at this exhibition of wit, but
+Lottie's followers shot indignant glances across the room, and Pixie
+asked innocently--"Have you got a pea-green satin, Lottie?  And pink
+flounces to it?  You _will_ be fine!  I have a little pink fan out of a
+cracker last year, when there was company at the Chase.  I'll lend it to
+you if you like, and then you'll be all complete!"
+
+"Thank you, Pixie O'Shaughnessy; you are a kind little girl.  I shan't
+want it this time, but I'll be sure to remind you when I do," replied
+Lottie, with unusual warmth of manner, for the child's sincerity had
+touched a soft spot in her vain heart, and she had an increasing desire
+to include her in the number of her admirers.  Later on, when they were
+left alone together at the end of the schoolroom, she put her arm round
+the tiny waist, and said caressingly--
+
+"Talking of party dresses, what are you going to wear yourself on
+Tuesday evening?  You have to put on your best things, you know, just as
+if you were going out?"
+
+"_Will_ I?"  Pixie looked surprised, but absolutely unperturbed.  "But I
+haven't a rag to my back but the black you see every night!  Bridgie
+said, `It's not likely you'll be visiting at Court until ye're
+education's finished, so this old grenadine will see you through until
+the ship comes home from its next voyage.  It's gone a long way this
+time,' says she, `and between you and me, I expect the storms will swamp
+it, but I've taken the best pieces out of my old dress and Esmeralda's,
+and, barring the darn on the back seam, I defy ye to tell it from new!'
+So that's all I've got, as I told you before, and, party or no party, it
+will have to do."
+
+Lottie looked at her in horrified sympathy, but not a sigh of regret
+clouded the beaming face; the head was tilting to and fro in its usual
+complacent fashion, the shabby little flounce of a skirt was whisking to
+and fro.  Such a depth of poverty seemed incomprehensible to the child
+of wealthy parents, and she was moved to an unusual desire to help.
+Never before had she been known to lend one of her possessions to
+another girl, but now she said quite eagerly--
+
+"I have a lace collar, Pixie--a very pretty collar--I'll lend it to you,
+and a white ribbon for your hair!  It would lighten your dress
+wonderfully; and there is a brooch too, and a little gold bangle."
+
+She paused, looking inquiringly to see the result of her offer, for one
+could never tell how it would be received.  Some girls might be pleased,
+others might consider it almost an insult, and she would be sorry to
+offend the funny little thing.  But Pixie was not offended.  She had too
+much of the O'Shaughnessy blood in her veins to object to have things
+made easy for her at the expense of another, and she felt no
+embarrassment in taking the good things that came in her way.
+
+"Oh, ye darlin'!" she cried rapturously.  "Will ye lend them to me,
+really?  Think of me now with a bracelet on me arm, and a brooch at me
+neck!  They wouldn't be knowing me at home.  I wish to-day was Tuesday;
+and what shall we do with ourselves all the hours before it's time to
+dress up?"
+
+Lottie referred the question to Margaret, who, as head girl, had been
+busy thinking out plans for the enjoyment of her friends.
+
+"I thought of asking if we might go to see the Cinematograph at the
+Polytechnic," she replied.  "Miss Phipps promised to take us some day,
+and if we could do some shopping first, and have tea afterwards, it
+would be a delightful way of spending the afternoon.  There is one thing
+that we must buy while we have the chance, and that's a present for
+Fraulein.  Her birthday is next week, and she is such a kind old dear
+that she deserves something nice.  I want at least a shilling from
+everyone, and as much more as they can afford.  I wonder what we had
+better get?"
+
+"I know what she would love!  A scent-bottle for her dressing-table like
+the one Mademoiselle has.  We could not afford one quite so good, but we
+could get a very nice size for about two pounds.  One day when I was in
+Mademoiselle's room, Fraulein came in and took up the bottle, and began
+admiring it, and saying how nice it was to get presents which were good
+to look at, as well as to use.  She has not many pretty things--poor
+Fraulein!--and I think she would really enjoy a taste of luxury.
+Mademoiselle has her initials engraven on the glass, but that would be
+too expensive for us.  We can have them on the stopper instead."
+
+"And who gave Mademoiselle her bottle?  Was it someone here?" asked
+Pixie curiously, whereupon Kate tossed her head with an air of
+exaggerated dismay.
+
+"My dear, how can you?  Don't say that to Mademoiselle, I implore you!
+She would have a fit.  _We_ are all commoners, and English commoners at
+that, and the lady who gave her that precious bottle was Madame la
+Marquise de Something or Other, the mother of her beloved pupil Isoult
+Andree Adele Marie Therese--the most perfect, and beautiful, and clever,
+and amiable _jeune fille_ that was ever created!"  Kate paused, hitched
+one shoulder to her ear, spread out her hands, and elevated her eyebrows
+in ridiculous mimicry of Mademoiselle's mannerisms.  "Did she evare
+neglect her work?  _Jamais_, nevare!  Did she evare forget that she was
+a _jeune fille_, and be'ave like a vild, rough boy?  _Jamais_, _jamais_!
+Was she evare like these Engleesh--rude, impairtinent, disobedient?
+_Mais non_!  Always the same--_cette ange_, the most wise, the most
+amiable!  And when she has finished her education and made her _debut_,
+to be the most beautiful and admired wherever she has gone, she has
+vept--_vept_, I tell you, to say _adieu_ to her beloved Mademoiselle!
+And she has given her a chain for her neck, and Madame la Marquise that
+beautiful 'ansome botelle.  Really, Pixie, you are behind the times if
+you don't know about Isoult.  Just turn Mademoiselle on to her next time
+you are with her on the walk, and you won't have to exert yourself any
+more.  She will sing her praises until you come in."
+
+"I will," said Pixie sturdily.  "And I'll see that bottle, too.  I must
+see that bottle.  I'll go into Mademoiselle's room next time I have a
+chance, and have a good look at it all to myself!"
+
+The girls smiled, but took little note of a determination which seemed
+natural enough under the circumstances.  A week afterwards they
+remembered it with very different feelings, and Pixie's own words were
+brought up in judgment against her.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT.
+
+PIXIE IN TROUBLE.
+
+It was already dark when the crocodile passed in at the gates of Holly
+House on its return from the expedition to town, and Miss Phipps gave
+instructions that the girls were to go straight to their rooms to dress
+for the evening.  Full dress was the rule for the evenings of term-
+holiday, for even if nothing particular was going on, and no extra
+guests expected, it gave one a gala feeling to don a light frock, and
+gaze down upon one's very best shoes and stockings.  Before leaving for
+town in the morning, visits had been paid to the box-room to take the
+rarely-used splendours from their wrappings, and now they lay stretched
+out in all their glory on the narrow beds, white, blue, and pink, a very
+wealth of colour and luxury.
+
+Pixie O'Shaughnessy, having no adornment to do for herself, acted as
+lady's-maid to her bedroom, with much satisfaction to her mistresses,
+and credit to herself.  She brushed Kate's hair until it was so smooth
+and flat as to be almost invisible from a front view; she tied Ethel's
+sash, and the ribbon to match which confined the ends of her curls; and
+she fastened Flora's dress, which was a matter of difficulty and time,
+for though it was let out regularly each holiday-time, it invariably
+grew too tight before it was needed again.
+
+"I can't help it," the poor thing protested miserably.  "I don't eat
+half as much as Ethel, and she's as thin as a stick.  It's my fate!  I
+was born fat, and I go on growing fatter and fatter all the time.  I
+shall be a fat woman in a show, before I am done with it.  It's hard
+lines, for I should so love to be slim and willowy.  That's what the
+heroines are in books, and it makes me quite ill every time I read it.
+Nothing exciting ever happens to fat people!  The thin ones get all the
+fun and excitement, and marry the nice man, while the poor fatty stays
+at home, and waits upon her hand and foot.  Then she grows into an aunt,
+and takes charge of the nephews and nieces when they have fever or
+measles, or when the parents go abroad for a holiday.  Everyone imposes
+upon her, just because she is fat!"
+
+"No, indeed, then, it is because she's good-natured.  Look at yourself
+now; you are always laughing!" declared Pixie soothingly.  "Hold yer
+breath a single moment while I get the better of this hook.  Ye'll not
+need to curtsey too low, I'm thinking, or you'll go off like a cracker!
+And the elegant dress that it is, too!  I remember the night Bridgie
+went to her first ball, the Hunt Ball it was, over at Roskillie.  It was
+me mother's wedding-dress that she wore, and she looked like a picture
+in it, the darlin'!  Me mother was for having it altered to be in the
+fashion, but me father says, `Leave it alone; you'll spoil it if ye
+alter a stitch!  It's better than fashionable,' he says, `it's artistic,
+and fits the child like her own skin.'  So away it was put in Bridgie's
+cupboard, and Esmeralda comes peeping at it, and, thinks she, `What
+yellow lace!  It would be a disgrace to us all to have the girl dancing
+about with that dirty stuff round her neck,' so not a word did she
+speak, but off with the lace and washed it herself, with a good hard
+rub, and plenty of blue bag.  Then she ironed it, with a morsel of
+starch to make it stand out and show itself off, and stitched it on
+again as proud as could be.  It was to be a surprise for Bridgie, and,
+me dears, it _was_ a surprise!  Mother and Bridgie screeching at the top
+of their voices, and looking as if the plague was upon us.  Would ye
+believe it, it was just what they liked, to have the lace that colour,
+and it was the bad turn Esmeralda had done them, starching it up like
+new!  Off it all came, and mother found an old lace scarf, yellower than
+the first, and pinned it round Bridgie's shoulders, and she had pearls
+round her neck, and a star in her hair, and Lord Atrim danced the first
+dance with her, and told me mother she was the prettiest thing he had
+seen for a twelvemonth.  But Esmeralda sulked all the evening, and it
+was very lively for me alone at home with her tantrums!"
+
+Flora chuckled softly, and Ethel give a shrill "He! he!" from her
+cubicle at the other end of the room.
+
+"I do think you must be the funniest family!  You seem always to be
+doing the most extraordinary things.  We never have such experiences at
+home.  We used to go along quietly and steadily, and there is never any
+hubbub nor excitement.  You seem to have a constant succession of alarms
+and adventures."
+
+"We do so!" said Pixie with relish.  "Scarcely the day that we're not
+all rushing about in distraction about something.  Either it's the boys
+tumbling out of the barn and cutting themselves open, or father bringing
+home accidents from the meet, or the ferret getting loose in the
+drawing-room when there's visitors present, or not a pound of fresh meat
+in the house, and the Bishop taking it into his head to drive over ten
+miles to lunch!  And Bridgie was for going out and killing a chicken,
+and engaging him in conversation while it was cooked, but mother says,
+`No, the man's hungry!  Bring lunch in the same as if we were alone, and
+leave the rest to me.'  And when he had asked the blessing she says,
+smiling, `It's nothing but ham and eggs I've got to offer ye, Bishop,
+but there's enough welcome for ten courses,' and the smile of him would
+have done you good to behold.  Three eggs he ate, and half a pig
+besides, and `It's the best lunch I've had since I said good-bye to
+short jackets,' he said when he was finished."
+
+"Now, now, Pixie, not so much talking!  Get on with your own dressing,
+you little chatterbox!" cried Kate, putting her head round the corner of
+the curtain and giving a tug to the end of the short black skirt.
+"Flora can manage now, and you have not too much time, if you are to
+catch Lottie before she goes out.  Hurry up!  Hurry up!"
+
+Pixie retired obediently, for Kate was head girl of the dormitory, and
+must needs be obeyed; so one black frock came off and another went on,
+the stout boots were exchanged for slippers, and then--the others having
+already departed--she turned down the gas, and skipped along to the room
+where Lottie stood waiting for her, a vision of spotless white.
+
+"That's right!  I was just wondering what had become of you.  Sit down
+here, and I'll put on the collar, and just call out if I stick a pin in
+you by mistake.  I'm going to fasten it with this little brooch.  There!
+Isn't it sweet?  I think I will give it to you to keep.  I never wear
+it, and you might just as well have it.  Yes, I will!  You shall have it
+for a term-holiday present, because you were a kind little girl and
+didn't join the other girls when they were nasty to me last week.  Are
+you pleased with it now?"
+
+"Oh-h, Lottie!  You darlin'!  Is it really me very own?"  Pixie was
+fairly breathless with pleasure and excitement, and could only exclaim
+rapturously and gaze at the reflection of the new treasure, while Lottie
+smiled, well pleased to have given so much pleasure.  Yes! she told
+herself she was really devoted to Pixie O'Shaughnessy!  There was
+something so sweet and taking about the child that it made one feel nice
+to give her pleasure, and she pinned, and arranged, and tied ribbons
+with as much zest as if she were arranging her own toilette.
+
+"There!  Now you are done.  I think you look very nice.  The collar goes
+so well with that black dress."
+
+"My worrd!  Aren't I stylish!  I just look beautiful!" cried Pixie,
+poking her ugly little face close to the glass, and twisting round and
+round to examine herself in all aspects.  She kissed Lottie effusively,
+expressed a hundred thanks, and danced downstairs into the schoolroom,
+where the girls were standing about in twos and threes, looking so grand
+that it was quite difficult to recognise them.  They all stared at her
+as the latest arrival, and Pixie, being conscious of their scrutiny,
+held out her arms stiffly on either side, and revolved slowly round and
+round on one heel.  The girls laughed uproariously at first, then
+suddenly the laughs subsided into titters, and Pixie, stopping to see
+what was wrong, espied Miss Phipps and the three governesses standing
+just inside the doorway, watching with the rest, and applauding with
+their hands.  It was an embarrassing moment, and the performer made a
+quick dash behind a sofa to screen herself from publicity, but she had
+not been there five minutes before she was called upon to answer a
+question.
+
+"Pixie, Kate tells me you were in Lottie's room before you came down.
+Was she nearly ready?"
+
+"She was, Miss Phipps, quite ready!  Only waiting for me.  She's on a
+white dress, and--"
+
+"Never mind that.  I want you to run upstairs, please, and tell her that
+the cab is here.  She must put on her wraps and come down at once."
+
+"I will, Miss Phipps."  There was a whisk of short black skirts and off
+she went, running lightly upstairs, and raising her voice in rich,
+musical cry, "Lottie!  Lottie!"
+
+"The real Irish voice!  She ought to be able to sing charmingly when she
+is older," said Miss Phipps to Mademoiselle, and Mademoiselle nodded her
+head in assent.
+
+"I 'ope so!  It is a great charm for a young girl to sing well, and she
+is not pretty.  _La pauvre petite_!"
+
+"No; yet the father is fine-looking, and my friends tell me that the two
+sisters are quite beauties, and all the family wonderfully handsome with
+this one exception.  But Pixie is better than pretty, she is charming.
+Would you be kind enough to go to the dining-room to see if everything
+is ready, Mademoiselle?  It is time we began tea."
+
+Mademoiselle departed, and came back to give the required signal, when
+the girls filed slowly across the hall, casting curious glances at
+Lottie as she came downstairs.  She was wrapped up in a long white
+cloak, and had a fleecy shawl thrown over her head, almost covering her
+face from view.  She looked very dainty, and when the door opened and
+they beheld her step into the cab, they felt a rising of envy which
+could not be entirely removed, even by the sight of the luxurious tea
+spread out on the dining-room table.
+
+"Lottie is a lucky creature!" sighed Clara discontentedly.  "She is
+always going out.  I wish my people lived near, instead of at the other
+end of England.  I am glad I am North Country, though; I don't like
+Southerners!  I agree with Tennyson--
+
+  "`True, and firm, and tender is the North;
+  False, and fair, and smiling is the South.'"
+
+"It isn't false; it's sweet!"
+
+"It _is_ false, I tell you!  False, and fair, and--"
+
+"Sweet, and fair, and--"
+
+"Ask Miss Phipps, then, if you won't believe me.  Oh, I say, look at the
+icing on the cake!  We didn't have icing last time.  Doesn't the table
+look nice?  I do think it is sweet of Miss Phipps to take so much
+trouble.  Sit by me, and we will get hold of Pixie, and make her tell us
+stories.  It makes me laugh just to hear that child talk.  Her brogue
+doesn't get a bit better."
+
+"I hope it never may.  Pixie, here!  Sit by us.  We've kept a place!"
+
+But Pixie shook her head, for she had been engaged to Flora ever since
+breakfast, and was already seating herself at the other end of the
+table.  She did not speak much, however, during the meal, for experience
+had taught what it had been difficult to express in words--that it was
+not respectful to her teachers to chatter in their presence, as she
+would do with her companions.  She applied herself instead to the good
+things that had been provided, and ate away steadily until she had
+sampled the contents of every plate upon the table, and could
+superintend the choice of her companions with the wisdom of experience.
+
+Miss Phipps had drawn out a programme of games for the evening's
+amusement, and later on the older pupils took it in turns to play
+waltzes and polkas, while the others danced.  The teachers joined in
+with the rest, and it was a proud girl who had Miss Phipps for a
+partner, while Mademoiselle was so light and agile that it was like
+dancing with a feather, and Fraulein felt like a heavy log lying against
+one's arm.  Then everyone sat down and puffed and panted, while Jeanie,
+the Scotch girl, danced a Highland Fling, and when Pixie called out an
+appropriate "Hoch!  Hoch!" the teachers laughed as heartily as the
+girls; for be it well understood there are things which are allowed on
+term-holiday which the rashest spirit dare not attempt on working days!
+Then two pretty sisters went through the stately figures of a minuet,
+and Margaret sang a song in her sweet voice, pronouncing the words so
+distinctly that you really knew what she was singing about, which
+nowadays is a very rare and wonderful accomplishment.  Altogether it was
+a most festive evening, and Flora was in the act of remarking
+complacently, "We really are a most accomplished school!" when suddenly
+the scene changed, and an expression of horrified anxiety appeared on
+every face, for Mademoiselle came rushing into the room, which she had
+left but a few minutes before, and the tears stood in her eyes, and her
+face was scarlet with mingled grief and anger.  She held in one hand the
+gold stopper of her precious scent-bottle, and in the other a number of
+pieces of broken glass, at sight of which a groan of dismay sounded on
+every hand.
+
+"_Voila!  Regardez_ See what I 'ave found!  I go to my room, and the air
+is full of scent, and I turn up the gas, and there it is--on the
+dressing-table before my eyes--in pieces!  My bottle--that I have kept
+all these years--that was given to me by my friend--my dear, good
+friend!"
+
+Her voice broke off in a sob, and Miss Phipps came forward to examine
+the pieces with an expression of real distress.
+
+"But, Mademoiselle, how has it happened?  You found it on the table, you
+say,--not on the floor.  If it had been on the floor, you might perhaps
+have swept it off in leaving the room, and not heard the sound against
+the mat.  But on the table!  How could it be broken on the table?"
+
+"Someone has been touching it and let it drop."
+
+"I be so careless as to break my bottle?  It is impossible to think of!
+I never come away without a look to see that it is safe.  I dust my
+dressing-table myself every morning, so that no one shall interfere with
+my things.  The servants know that it is so.  When I came downstairs
+this evening it was all right.  I have not been upstairs since."
+
+"I think very few of us have.  We have been too busy.  Ellen would go
+in, of course, to prepare the bed.  Did she--"
+
+"Yes!  It was Ellen who told me.  I was in the hall, and she came out of
+the kitchen and said, `Oh, Mademoiselle, do you know?  Your beautiful
+bottle is broken!'"  Mademoiselle's voice broke; she held out the pieces
+and exclaimed in broken tones, "And I ran--and I saw--this!"
+
+"I am sorry!  I am grieved!  But we must get to the bottom of this
+mystery.  Things do not fall over and break by themselves.  Girls, do
+any of you know anything about this?  If so, please speak out at once,
+and don't be afraid to tell the truth.  If by any chance one of you has
+unintentionally broken Mademoiselle's bottle, I know you will be as
+deeply grieved as she can be herself; but the only thing you can do now
+is to explain, and beg her forgiveness.  Carelessness it must have been,
+and you cannot hope to escape altogether without punishment, but
+remember deception is fifty times worse.  I have no mercy on a girl who
+knows she is guilty, and lets her companions rest under the shadow of
+suspicion.  Now, I ask you again, do you know anything at all of the
+cause of this accident?"
+
+There was a unanimous burst of denial from all parts of the room; but
+different girls took the question in different ways, as was natural to
+the different characters.  Some looked grieved, some indignant, a few
+showed suspicions of tears, and Pixie looked so thoroughly scared and
+miserable that more than one eye rested curiously upon her.
+
+Miss Phipps glanced around with her keen, scrutinising glance, then
+pressed her lips together, and said sharply--
+
+"This becomes serious!  You all deny it?  Very well, I must find out the
+truth for myself.  Call Ellen, please, Mademoiselle.  I am sorry to have
+such a painful ending to our happy holiday, but we cannot go to bed with
+this cloud hanging over us.  Ellen, Mademoiselle tells me that you found
+the scent-bottle broken when you went into her room just now to turn
+down the bed!"
+
+Ellen straightened herself and fumbled miserably with the corner of her
+apron.  She loved all the girls, and had known many of them for years;
+for though other maids might come and go, Ellen, like the brook, went on
+for ever.  She had been a servant in the Phipps family, and had
+accompanied "her young lady" when Holly House was bought and the school
+first founded.  Matron, nurse, general factotum, and refuge in time of
+trouble, it would have been as easy to suspect her of duplicity as Miss
+Phipps herself.  She was wretched now because she feared that her
+"children" might be in trouble, and her "children" knew it, and loved
+her for her fear.
+
+"I did, Miss Emily.  It was lying just where it usually stands, with the
+glass piled up in a little heap."
+
+"It looked, then, as if someone had arranged it so?  Not as if it had
+been, say, blown over by any chance?"
+
+"It couldn't have blown over, Miss Emily!  It was too heavy.  And it
+wasn't near the window, either."
+
+"And the pieces, you say, were gathered together, as if someone had
+placed them so?  Very well, I understand!  Now, Ellen, have any of the
+other maids been upstairs to your knowledge since Mademoiselle left her
+room at seven o'clock?"
+
+"They say they have not, miss, for I asked them, and I've been in the
+kitchen all the time.  We were busy clearing away after tea, and getting
+the refreshments ready for supper, and then we came and watched the
+young ladies dance."
+
+"You would have noticed if anyone had gone upstairs?"
+
+"I think I should, being together all the time.  They have no work
+upstairs at this hour--"
+
+"I know that, but I must speak to them myself later on.  There is one
+thing more, Ellen.  Your work upstairs takes you a good time.  In
+passing to and fro, you didn't happen to see anyone in or near
+Mademoiselle's room, I suppose?  Speak up, please!  Remember I rely upon
+you to do all in your power to help me to get to the bottom of this
+mystery!"
+
+The last words were added in a warning voice, for Ellen's start of
+dismay and drawn, miserable brows too plainly betrayed the truth of her
+mistress's surmise.
+
+"I saw--when I went up first in the middle of the dancing, I was at the
+end of the passage, and I saw little Miss O'Shaughnessy coming out of a
+room.  I couldn't be sure, but I _thought_ it was Mademoiselle's!"
+
+She had said it, and in an instant every eye in the room was riveted
+upon Pixie, and every heart sank woefully at the sight of her crimson,
+agitated face.  It said much for the hold which she had gained on her
+companions' affections that at this moment the feeling in every girl's
+breast was that she would prefer to find the culprit in almost any other
+girl in the school than in dear, loving, kind-hearted Irish Pixie.
+Perhaps Miss Phipps felt the same, but it did not become her to show
+favouritism, and her voice was very stern and cold.
+
+"Come here, Pixie, please!  Stand before me!  You have heard what Ellen
+says!  Was it Mademoiselle's room out of which you were coming?"
+
+"It--was, Miss Phipps!" said Pixie, with a gulp; and a groan of dismay
+sounded through the room, at which Miss Phipps's eyes sent out a
+flashing glance.
+
+"Silence, please!  Leave this to me!  Was it you who let the bottle fall
+and broke it, then, though you would not acknowledge it when I asked
+just now?"
+
+Pixie's lips moved, but she seemed so paralysed with fear that she had
+to repeat her words twice over before they could be heard.
+
+"No, I--I didn't break it, Miss Phipps!  I didn't break it!"
+
+"Do you mean to say you know nothing about it?  Did you not notice it
+when you were in the room?  May I ask what you were doing in that room
+at all?  You had no business in there."
+
+"I--I--please, Miss Phipps, the gas was down; I didn't see anything!"
+
+"I asked you, Pixie, what you were doing in that room?"
+
+To the dismay of her companions, Pixie hung her head and refused to
+answer, and, when the question was repeated, had no reason to offer but
+a stammering, "It was nothing!  I was doing nothing!"
+
+"That is nonsense, Pixie; you would not go upstairs and into a strange
+room, to-night of all nights, without a very definite reason.  I insist
+upon your telling me what you were doing.  If it is nothing of which you
+are ashamed, you need surely not hesitate to speak."
+
+"I wasn't doing anything!  I never touched it!" said Pixie once more,
+and an expression came over her face which was well known to the
+inhabitants of Bally William, though so far it was unfamiliar to her
+companions--a dumb, obstinate look which promised little satisfaction to
+the questioner.
+
+"If you refuse to answer me, Pixie, it is your own fault if I suspect
+you.  You have been with us only a short time, but I have always
+believed you to be truthful and straightforward.  I should be sorry to
+change my opinion, but you will have yourself to blame!"  She paused and
+looked down at the little black figure, and her face softened
+regretfully.  "You need not look so terrified, child.  Mademoiselle is
+naturally very grieved and distressed, but you know her well enough to
+be sure that she would forgive you if you have unintentionally broken
+her pretty bottle.  She would be sorry to drive you into telling a
+falsehood--wouldn't you, Mademoiselle?"
+
+"I shall say nothing to her.  My bottle is gone, and it can do no good
+now.  But she had no right to touch my things.  My room is my own, and
+she had no business there at all.  I thought you were a good girl,
+Pixie, and remembered what I had said to you.  I did not think you would
+grieve me like this.  I have not so many treasures!"
+
+Mademoiselle's tears trickled down afresh, and the girls began to look
+askance at Pixie, and to feel the first incredulity give place to a
+horrible doubt.  Why wouldn't she speak?  Why did she look so guilty?
+Why need she have been so alarmed at the first mention of the accident
+if she had no part in bringing it about?  Margaret held out her hand
+with an involuntary gesture of appeal, and Pixie, seeing it, shut her
+lips more tightly than ever.
+
+"You may go to your room, Pixie," said Miss Phipps coldly.  "I am very
+much disappointed in you!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE.
+
+DARK DAYS.
+
+The three girls who shared Pixie's room were not forbidden to speak to
+her when they went upstairs to bed, and their first impulse was to pull
+aside the curtains of her cubicle, where she was discovered lying on the
+top of the bed, still fully dressed, with features swollen and
+disfigured with crying.  She was shivering, too, and the hand which Kate
+touched was so icy cold that she exclaimed in horrified reproach--
+
+"Pixie, you are freezing!  What do you mean by not getting into bed?
+You will catch a chill, and then goodness knows what may happen!  You
+may go into consumption and die."
+
+Pixie gave a dismal little sniff, and her teeth chattered together.
+
+"That's what I thought.  A girl at Bally William died of a chill, and
+consumption's in our family.  Me mother's cousin suffered from it every
+winter.  I want to die!"
+
+"Here, sit up!  I am going to unhook you.  Dear me, what a mess you have
+made of your fine collar!  I don't know what Lottie will say when she
+sees it.  Lucky girl to be out to-night and escape all this fuss!  She
+always gets the best of things.  I never wish to spend such an evening
+again, I know that!"
+
+"Pixie, why wouldn't you tell?  Why wouldn't you answer Miss Phipps?"
+cried Flora, unable to contain herself a moment longer; and Pixie drew
+herself up, and tried to look dignified, a difficult achievement when
+one is being forcibly undressed, and can hardly see out of red, swollen
+eyelids.
+
+"I told her I had not broken the bottle.  I gave her a straight answer,
+and that ought to be enough for any lady!"
+
+"Don't talk such rubbish!  This house is not yours, and if you go
+wandering about into strange rooms, it is only right that you should be
+made to explain.  And it looks so bad when you refuse to answer.  You
+don't realise how bad it looks.  After you left the room, Miss Phipps
+asked if we had heard you say anything which would explain your going
+into that room, and we all remembered--we didn't want to tell, but we
+were obliged--we remembered that you said you intended to have a good
+look at the scent-bottle."
+
+"So I did, and I don't mind who you tell.  I looked at it the very next
+day, but I never lifted it once.  I was too afraid I'd be hurting it,
+and it was all right long after that--Mademoiselle said so herself!"
+
+The three girls looked at each other quickly, and as quickly averted
+their eyes.  Ethel gave a toss to her curls, and walked off to her
+cubicle.  Kate went on unhooking with relentless haste, and Flora sat
+down heavily on the edge of the bed, and melted into tears.
+
+"I wish scent-bottles had never been invented!  I wish that old marquise
+had had more sense than to spend her money on a thing that would break
+if you looked at it!  I know how easy it would be.  I've broken lots of
+things myself.  Mother always said to us when we were children, `Don't
+be afraid to tell me if you've had an accident.  I will never scold you
+if you tell the truth, but if I find out that you have hidden anything
+from me I shall be extremely angry.'  Lots of girls tell stories just
+because they are frightened, especially little ones, and when they are
+strange, too, and don't know people well.  But we all love you, Pixie,
+really and truly we do!  We won't turn against you.  Oh, do tell!  Do
+tell!  Tell Kate and me now before we go to bed, and we will help you
+to-morrow."
+
+"Will Miss Phipps talk to me again to-morrow?  Will she be cross again?
+Will Mademoiselle be cross?" cried Pixie fearfully.  "Oh, what will I
+do?  What will I do?  No one was ever cross with me at home.  I'll run
+away in the night and swim over to Ireland.  They'd welcome me there if
+I'd smashed all the scent-bottles in the world.  I never meant to do any
+harm.  I didn't know it was wrong to go into Mademoiselle's room.  No
+one ever said I mustn't.  Molly, our maid, broke something every day of
+her life at Bally William, and no one disturbed themselves about it.
+What's a scent-bottle?  Suppose I _had_ broken it, why should they make
+such a storm, I should like to know?"
+
+Her sentences were broken by sobs and tears, and her companions had
+learnt by now that Pixie's outbursts of grief were not to be trifled
+with, for while other girls shed tears in a quiet and ladylike manner,
+Pixie grew hysterical on the slightest pretext, and sobbed, and wailed,
+and shivered, and shook, and drowned herself in tears until she was in a
+condition of real physical collapse.  To-night Kate signalled
+imperiously to Flora to depart to her own cubicle, and herself bundled
+the shaking, quivering little creature into bed, where she left her with
+a "good-night" sufficiently sympathetic, but--oh, agonies to a sensitive
+heart!--without attempting the kiss which had become a nightly
+institution!
+
+Next morning Pixie's face was still swollen and puffy, but her elastic
+spirits had sufficiently recovered to enable her to make repeated
+attempts to converse with her taciturn companions, and to run in and out
+of their cubicles to play lady's-maid as usual, in such useful,
+unostentatious ways as carrying water, folding nightgowns, and tying
+hair ribbons.  This morning she was even more assiduous than usual in
+her attentions, for there was an edge of coldness and reserve in the
+manner even of Flora herself which cut deeply into the sensitive heart.
+Then when she had fully dressed, she gathered together Lottie's fineries
+and betook herself to the room which that luxurious young lady occupied
+in solitary splendour.
+
+Early as she had been in leaving her cubicle, breakfast had already
+begun when Pixie made her appearance downstairs, and the furtive manner
+in which she entered the room, was not calculated to dispel the
+suspicions, with which she was regarded.  Her "good-morning" to the
+teachers was a mere mumble, and oh, how formidable they looked!  Miss
+Phipps with tight lips and a back like a poker; Mademoiselle, a vision
+of misery, and Fraulein and Miss Bruce staring at the tablecloth as if
+afraid to raise their eyes.  As for the girls, they munched away in
+silence, no one daring to make a remark, and it was significant of the
+solemnity of the occasion that not a single girl helped herself to
+marmalade or jam.  By the unwritten laws of the school it would have
+been considered unfeeling to indulge in such luxuries while the
+reputation of a companion was at stake.  It was a ghastly occasion, and
+Pixie seemed literally to shrink in stature as she cowered in her chair,
+glancing to right and left with quick, terrified glances.  The
+hopefulness of the earlier morning had departed, and among all the
+dejected faces round the table hers was conspicuously the worst.
+
+There seemed a special meaning in the Bible reading that morning, and
+when Miss Phipps laid aside the book she added a few words of her own
+before kneeling in prayer.  The sternness had left her face, but it was
+very grave and sad.
+
+"Before we kneel down together this morning, girls, there are some
+thoughts which I would like to impress upon you all.  We are in trouble,
+and it behoves each one of us to ask in all earnestness that the cloud
+may be lifted, and that courage and truthfulness may be given where it
+is most needed.  An accident, however regrettable, is not a serious
+offence, but in this instance it has been turned into one by the refusal
+of the culprit to acknowledge her offence.  I have made every inquiry,
+and it seems morally certain that one of you must know how it happened,
+and be able to give a satisfactory explanation; and until she does so,
+the shadow of her deceit must fall on all.  I ask those of you who know
+that they are blameless to pray for her who is guilty, that she may
+acknowledge her fault, and for yourselves that you be preserved from
+temptation; and I ask the guilty one to remember that God reads all
+hearts, and although she may deceive her companions, she can hide
+nothing from His eyes.  And now we will kneel and pray, and let the
+words which you say be no vain repetition, but the earnest cry of your
+hearts that God will help us!"
+
+Many of the girls had tears in their eyes as they rose from their knees,
+and no one was surprised when, as they filed slowly towards the door,
+Miss Phipps spoke again, to request Pixie O'Shaughnessy to follow her to
+her private sanctum.  Flora thrust her hand through Lottie's arm as they
+went upstairs and heaved a sigh of funereal proportions.
+
+"Poor little Pixie!  Don't you pity her?  Oh, Lottie, you are lucky to
+have been out last night and escape all this bother!  I wish I had had
+an invitation too, and then, even if Pixie doesn't confess, no one could
+possibly think that I had done it.  Poor little thing!  She is so scared
+that she hardly knows what she is doing.  Did you notice her face at
+breakfast?  Did you hear about the accident when you came in last night,
+or who told you first?"
+
+"I only saw the teachers last night, but Mademoiselle was crying, and I
+knew something was wrong.  Then Pixie came to my room this morning to
+bring me back my collar, and she told me.  It seems that she is
+suspected because she won't tell why she was in Mademoiselle's room.
+It's very stupid of her!  There can't be any great mystery about it, one
+would think, though she wouldn't tell even me; but if she says she
+didn't break the bottle, I think she ought to be believed.  She has
+always been truthful, so far as we know."
+
+"Yes, but then we haven't known her long, and she has never been in a
+corner before.  It is easy to tell the truth when all is going smoothly,
+but it's rather dreadful when you know quite well you are going to be
+punished; and if you let the first moment pass it's fifty times worse,
+because then you have been deceitful as well.  What I'm afraid of is
+that she was too frightened to own up last night--you know what a scarey
+little thing she is--and that now she is determined to be obstinate and
+brave it out!"
+
+Lottie hitched her shoulder with an impatient movement which drew her
+arm free from her companion.
+
+"Well, I'm fond of Pixie O'Shaughnessy, and I am going to stick to her,
+whatever happens!  It's mean of Mademoiselle to make such a fuss about
+an accident which nobody could help.  I'll buy her another scent-bottle
+myself, if that will satisfy her.  I have lots of money, and can get as
+much more as I want.  It's absurd making thirty people miserable for the
+sake of a few pounds.  I'll ask Miss Phipps if I may go into town and
+buy one this very day."
+
+"She wouldn't let you spend so much without your mother's consent, and
+it's my belief Mademoiselle wouldn't take it if she did.  It was the
+association she liked, and you could not give her that.  I'm fond of
+Pixie too, but I shan't like her a bit if she gets us all into trouble,
+and that's what it will mean if she is obstinate.  We shall have all our
+treats and holidays knocked off until the truth comes out.  It is bound
+to be discovered sooner or later, don't you think?"
+
+"No, I don't!  Lots of things are never discovered, and the holidays
+will be here in a month, thank goodness!  It will have to drop after
+that, for it wouldn't be fair to drag the troubles of one term into the
+next.  I don't know what Margaret is going to do, but I shall be kind to
+Pixie and try to help her!"
+
+The girls had reached the schoolroom by this time and joined the group
+by the fire, so that Margaret herself was able to reply.
+
+"I shall certainly help her if I can," she said gently; but her
+followers noticed that she avoided giving any opinion as to guilt or
+innocence, and the reticence depressed them still further, for it was
+unlike Margaret to refrain from speaking a good word if it was possible
+to do so.
+
+She was soon to have an opportunity of trying to help, however, for half
+an hour later Miss Phipps called her out of class, and said sadly--
+
+"I can make nothing of Pixie, Margaret.  Will you try what you can do?
+She seems afraid of me, though I have tried to be as forbearing as
+possible, and perhaps she may speak more freely to a girl like herself.
+So long as she refuses to say what she was doing in Mademoiselle's room
+we cannot help believing her to be guilty.  I am dreadfully upset about
+it all, and should be so thankful to get at the truth.  I have heard of
+this kind of thing going on in other schools, but this is my first
+experience, and I earnestly hope it will be the last.  She is in my
+snuggery.  Go to her there, and see what your influence will do!"
+
+Margaret went, and, at the first opening of the door, Pixie rushed into
+her arms with a cry of joyous welcome.
+
+"Oh, Margaret, I hoped you would come!  I wanted you to come.  I'm so
+dreadfully miserable."
+
+"So are we all, Pixie, but you can end the misery if you will only tell
+us truthfully all you know about this accident.  You do know something,
+I feel certain, or why should you be so afraid to speak?  It's no use
+being afraid, dear.  We all have to do difficult things sometimes,
+whether we like them or not, and it will only get worse as time goes on.
+The truth is bound to come out, and then how ashamed you will feel, if
+you have not taken the opportunity while it was yours!"
+
+"Do you think it will be found out, really?"  Pixie shivered, and
+twisted her fingers together in nervous fashion.  "But how can it if I
+don't tell, and if--if there is no one else?"
+
+"I don't know, Pixie, but I believe it will, sooner or later.  It may be
+later, for God is very patient, and waits to give us our chance before
+He takes things into His own hands.  In the days when Jesus was on earth
+He used to work miracles, but He doesn't do that any longer.  I used to
+be sorry for that, but I am not now, for it is so wonderful that He lets
+us help Him by putting it into our hearts to do His will.  He won't show
+us in any miraculous way who is deceiving us now, but if she will listen
+He will speak to her, and make it seem impossible to go on doing wrong."
+
+"That's what Bridgie said!" agreed Pixie eagerly.  "It was the night
+before I came to school, and she was speaking to me for my good.
+`You'll be far away from home,' she said, `but you never need be far
+from Him, and He is your best friend.  When you are happy and everything
+is bright, thank Him for it, for it's a shame to be always asking,
+asking, and never saying a "Thank you" for what you receive.  And when
+you are undecided between two ways, take the one that's hardest, for
+that was what He meant by bearing the cross; and when you are in
+trouble, keep still,' she says, `keep still, and you'll hear His voice
+in your heart.'  And I was thinking of that last night, and I could hear
+Bridgie saying it all over again, as plain as if she were by my side!"
+
+"And the other voice, Pixie--did you hear that too?"
+
+"I tried to, but,"--the small troubled face was pitiful to behold--"it
+seemed always to say the things I wanted, and I was afraid I was
+imagining.  Then I remembered about doing the hardest thing, and every
+time I awoke I thought of it again, and this morning I decided that I
+would!"
+
+"Pixie!" cried Margaret, in a tone of almost incredulous relief.  "Oh,
+Pixie, you will really!  I am so glad, so glad!  You will come with me
+to Miss Phipps now, and tell all you know!"
+
+But Pixie shook her head firmly, and her lips closed in determined
+lines.
+
+"I will never tell," she said.  "I'll be silent for ever!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN.
+
+AN ARMISTICE.
+
+A week passed by, and the mystery was no nearer being unravelled than on
+the first evening, though every possible means had been taken to
+discover the offender.  At the beginning of the time the general feeling
+had been in favour of Pixie, but girls are very human creatures, and as
+the days passed by and they suffered for her silence, a feeling of
+resentment began to grow against her.  Why should all the school be
+suspected because one girl refused to tell what she knew?  What was the
+use of pretending to be so kind and helpful, if you would not sacrifice
+your pride for your friends' comfort?  If Pixie were innocent, why
+should she be afraid to answer questions?  But, really--and then the
+heads would draw close together, and the voices drop to a whisper--
+really she looked so wretched and ashamed, that one began to wonder if
+she could be innocent after all!  A whole week, and she had not once
+been in mischief.  Didn't that look as if something was on her mind?
+While as for funny stories, she was as dull as Clara herself; and it was
+impossible to say anything more scathing than that!
+
+After Margaret's failure no more personal efforts had been made to
+induce Pixie to confess; but at the end of a week the anticipated blow
+fell, for Miss Phipps addressed the assembled school and announced her
+intention of confiscating holidays until the end of the term.
+
+"I am sorry to punish the innocent with the guilty," she said, "but I
+hope that the consciousness that she is depriving her companions of
+their enjoyment may have more influence with the culprit, whoever she
+may be, than any words of mine.  I don't think it is right to deprive
+your teachers of their much-needed rest, so on Wednesdays and Saturdays
+you will have extra preparation during the hours which would otherwise
+have been your own.  Of course no invitations can be accepted.  I have
+written to your brother, Pixie, to say that you will not be able to go
+out with him on Saturday, as arranged."
+
+Pixie's cry of dismay was drowned by the general groan, which swelled
+ever louder and louder as Miss Phipps left the room.  The younger girls
+looked inclined to cry, one or two stamped on the floor with
+irrepressible anger, and there was a very babel of indignation.
+
+"I told you so!  What did I say?  As if we hadn't enough to do without
+slaving six hours more!  I know what it will be now--I shall get so worn
+out that I shall fail in my examination."
+
+"Preparation!  More prep!  I call that adding insult to injury.  If it
+had been a class, I wouldn't have minded half so much.  I'm sick and
+tired of school.  I'll ask my mother if I may leave the day I am
+seventeen."
+
+"And I was going out on Wednesday!  I had an invitation this morning,
+and was going to tell Miss Phipps after tea.  I may as well write and
+say I can't go, and it would have been so nice too.  I should have had
+such fun!"
+
+"Jack was going to take me to the s-s-circus!  I've never seen a clown
+in all me days!  I was c-counting the hours!" stammered Pixie tearfully;
+and at the sound of her voice, as at a signal, all the girls stopped
+talking and fixed their eyes upon her.  She looked pitiful enough with
+the tears streaming down her cheeks, but there was not much sympathy in
+the watching faces, and for the first time the growing resentment forced
+itself into words.
+
+"You have only yourself to blame," Kate said coldly.  "If you had spoken
+up and told all you knew about that horrible night, it would have been
+forgotten by this time.  I believe Mademoiselle is sorry already that
+she made such a fuss, but Miss Phipps won't rest until she has found out
+what she wants.  If you _will_ be obstinate, you must expect to be
+punished, but it's hard lines on the rest of us who have done nothing
+wrong."
+
+"And we were all so kind to you, Pixie O'Shaughnessy, and made a regular
+pet of you--you know we did!  We helped you like angels when you
+couldn't do your lessons.  I've been in this school five years, and I've
+never seen a new girl made such a fuss of before.  I call you an
+ungrateful serpent to turn and rend us like this."
+
+"Clowns indeed!  I should think you have something else to think of than
+clowns!  Do you realise that thirty girls are losing their fun for three
+whole weeks because you won't speak?  If you had any nice feeling, you
+would be too miserable for clowns."
+
+"Oh, Pixie, I've such a smashing headache!  You might tell!  I was so
+looking forward to a rest this afternoon.  It makes the week so
+dreadfully, dreadfully long when there are no holidays!"
+
+Flora's voice was full of tears, and Pixie's miserable glance, roving
+from one speaker to another, grew suddenly eager as it rested upon her,
+for she was skilled in the treatment of headaches, and was never more
+happy than when officiating as nurse.
+
+"I'll lend ye my smelling-bottle.  It's awful strong!  Ye said yourself
+the last time you smelt it ye forgot all about the pain.  Will I run up
+this minute, and bring it for you?"
+
+"No, thank you!"  Flora's tone was almost as cold as Kate's.  "I don't
+want your loans.  Smelling-bottles are no good to me if I have to rack
+my brains all the afternoon.  You needn't pretend to be sorry, for if
+you were you could soon cure me.  Come along, girls, let's go upstairs!
+It is no use talking to her any longer."
+
+The girls linked arms and filed to the door, only Lottie lingering
+behind to thrust her hand encouragingly through Pixie's arm.  Kate,
+standing near, caught the whispered words of consolation.  "You shall go
+to the circus in the holidays.  I'll ask you to stay with me, and we
+will go somewhere nice every afternoon!"--and told herself reproachfully
+that Lottie was more forgiving than herself.
+
+"I don't feel in the least inclined to offer her treats, though I'm
+sorry for her all the same.  She does look such a woe-begone little
+wretch!  It's my belief she thought it was a good opportunity to examine
+the scent-bottle when we were all upstairs, and that she put it down too
+roughly or let it slip from her hands and hadn't the nerve to own up at
+once.  I don't wonder she is afraid to confess now; I should be myself.
+You don't know what might happen--you might even be expelled!  I don't
+believe Miss Phipps would keep a girl who was so mean as to make all the
+school suffer rather than face a scolding.  There's one thing certain,
+I'm not going to have Pixie O'Shaughnessy fagging for me until this
+business is cleared up!  I have tied my own hair bows before and can do
+them again, and I shall tell Flora and Ethel not to allow her in their
+cubicles either.  If she is untruthful, how are we to know that she
+might not be dishonest next!"
+
+There is no truer proverb than that which says, "Give a dog a bad name
+and hang him!" for it is certain that when once we begin to harbour
+suspicion, a dozen little actions and coincidences arise to strengthen
+us in our convictions.
+
+It is also true that no judges are so unflinching as very young people,
+who set a hard line between right and wrong, and are unwilling to
+acknowledge the existence of extenuating circumstances.  During the next
+few weeks Pixie was sent to Coventry by her companions, to her own
+unutterable grief and confusion.  No one offered to help her with
+difficult lessons; no one invited her to be a companion in the daily
+crocodile; no one made room for her when she entered a room; on the
+contrary, she was avoided as if her very presence were infectious, and
+when she spoke a silence fell over the room, and several moments elapsed
+before a cold, stern voice would vouchsafe a monosyllabic answer.  She
+was at the bottom of her classes too, being unable to learn in this
+atmosphere of displeasure, and the governess's strictures had in them a
+touch of unusual severity.
+
+Curiously enough, it was Mademoiselle herself who showed most sympathy
+with Pixie during those dark days.  Like most people of impulsive
+temperament, she had quick reactions of feeling, and after having
+stormed and bewailed for a couple of days, she began to regret the gloom
+into which she had plunged the school.  She had been fond of the droll
+little Irish girl, and, though convinced of her guilt, feared lest her
+own unbridled anger had frightened a sensitive child into a denial
+difficult to retract.
+
+It happened one day that governess and pupil were alike suffering from
+cold and unable to go out for the usual walk, and the impressionable
+French heart went out in a wave of pity, as its owner entered the
+deserted schoolroom and found Pixie seated alone by the fire, her hands
+folded listlessly on her lap, a very Cinderella of misery and dejection.
+When the door opened she looked up with that shrinking expression of
+dread which is so pitiful to see on a young face, for to be left _tete-
+a-tete_ with Mademoiselle seemed under the circumstances the most
+terrible thing that could happen.  Her head drooped forward over her
+chest, and she stared fixedly at the floor while Mademoiselle seated
+herself on a chair close by and stared at her with curious eyes.
+
+Surely the ugly little face was smaller, the figure more absurdly minute
+than of yore!  The black dress with its folds of rusty crape added to
+the pathos of the picture, and awoke remembrances of the dead mother who
+would never comfort her baby again, nor point out the right way with
+wise, tender words.  Mademoiselle's thoughts went back to her own past,
+when, if the truth must be told, she had been an exceedingly naughty
+child; and she realised that it was not coldness and severity which had
+wrought the most good, but the tender patience and affection of the
+kindest of parents.  What if they had been trying the wrong course with
+Pixie O'Shaughnessy?  What if suspicion and avoidance were but hardening
+the child's heart and hastening her path downwards?  Mademoiselle
+cleared her throat and said in the softest tone which she could
+command--
+
+"_Eh bien_, Pixie!  What are you doing sitting here all by yourself?"
+
+"I'm thinking, Mademoiselle."
+
+"And what are you thinking about then?  Tell me your thoughts for a
+penny, as you girls say to each other!"
+
+"I'm thinking of Foxe's martyrs!" was Pixie's somewhat startling reply.
+Her face had lightened with immeasurable relief at the sound of the
+friendly voice, and the talkative tongue once loosened could not resist
+the temptation to enlarge on the reply.  "We have the book at home.  Did
+ye ever see it, Mademoiselle?  It's got lovely pictures!  There's one
+man lying down and they are pinching him with hot tongs, and another
+being stoned, and another being boiled in oil.  They were so brave that
+they never screeched out, but only sang hymns, and prayed beautiful
+prayers.  I used to long to be a martyr too, but I don't any more now,
+for I know I couldn't bear it, but it cheers me up to think about them.
+Bridgie says there's nothing so bad but it might be worse, and I was
+thinking that they were worse off than me.  I'd rather even that the
+girls wouldn't speak to me than boiling oil--wouldn't you,
+Mademoiselle?"
+
+"I would indeed!" replied Mademoiselle fervently.  "But what a subject
+to think about on a dull grey day!  No wonder you look miserable!  You
+need not think about boiling oil just now at all events, for I have to
+stay in too, and I have come to sit here and talk to you.  Will that
+make you feel a little bit less miserable?"
+
+"Now that depends upon what ye talk about, Mademoiselle," said Pixie,
+with that air of quaint candour which her companions had been wont to
+find so amusing; and Mademoiselle first smiled, and then looked grave
+enough.
+
+"I am not going to question you about your trouble, if you mean that,
+Pixie.  It is Miss Phipps's affair now, not mine.  I wish you had been
+more outspoken, but I am not going to scold you again.  You are being
+punished already, and I feel sorry to see you so grave and to hear no
+more laughs and jokes.  Shall we 'ave what they call an armistice, and
+talk together as we used to do when we were very good friends?"
+
+She held out her hand as she spoke, and Pixie's thin fingers grasped
+hers with a force that was almost painful.  She looked overcome with
+gratitude, nevertheless, now that it had been agreed to talk, both felt
+a decided difficulty in deciding what to talk about, for even a
+temporary coldness between friends heaps up many barriers, and in this
+particular case it was difficult to feel once more at ease and
+unconstrained.  It was Pixie who spoke first, and her voice was full of
+shy eagerness.
+
+"How's your father, Mademoiselle?  Is he having his health any better
+than it was?"
+
+"A little--yes, a little better.  He is in the South with my brother
+until the cold winds are over in Paris.  He is like me--he hates to be
+cold, so he is very happy down there in the sunshine.  I told you about
+him then, did I?  I had forgotten that."
+
+"Yes, you told me that day when I--when I lassoed you on the stairs, and
+I wrote the verb not to be rude to you any more.  You said I would
+remember that, and I do; but perhaps you think I have done something
+worse than being rude, Mademoiselle!  I want to know--please tell me!--
+can your bottle be stuck together so that you can use it again?"
+
+Mademoiselle's face clouded over.  She had recovered from her first
+violent anger about the accident, but it was still too sore a subject to
+be lightly touched.
+
+"No," she said shortly, "it cannot mend.  I tried.  I thought I might
+use it still as an ornament, but the pieces will not _fit_.  There is
+perhaps something missing.  I have just to make up my mind that it is
+gone for ever.  It seems as if I should never know what happened to it."
+
+An expression of undoubted relief and satisfaction passed over Pixie's
+face as she heard these last words, but Mademoiselle was gazing
+disconsolately in the fire, and it had passed before she looked up.
+Perhaps she had hoped that her words would draw forth some sort of
+confession, but, if so, she was fated to be disappointed, for when Pixie
+spoke again it was to broach another subject.
+
+"Mademoiselle, I've a favour to ask you!  I've been afraid to do it
+before, but you are so kind to-day that I'm not frightened any longer.
+It's about the party at the end of the term.  The girls say they always
+have one, and they will be broken-hearted if they miss that as well as
+all the holidays.  It is no use my asking, because it's me that's in
+trouble, but, Mademoiselle, it was your bottle that was broken.  If you
+asked Miss Phipps, she couldn't find the heart in her to say no!
+Please, Mademoiselle, will you ask if the girls can have their party the
+same as ever?"
+
+Mademoiselle looked, as she felt, completely taken aback by this
+unexpected request.  It sounded strange indeed coming from Pixie's lips,
+and it was difficult to explain to the girl that she herself would be
+the greatest hindrance to the granting of such a request.  She looked
+down, fingered her dress in embarrassment, and said slowly--
+
+"For my part I should be glad for the girls to have their party.  It is
+hard that they should all suffer, and it _is_ dull for them.  I have
+been here three years, but it was never so dull as this.  Yes, I would
+ask, but what would Miss Phipps say?  That is a different thing!  It
+seems odd to stop the holidays and give the party all the same, and--do
+you not see?--the bad girl--the girl who will not say what she has
+done--she would have her pleasure with the rest, and that would not be
+right.  It is to punish her we have to punish many."
+
+"But if I stayed upstairs--" cried Pixie eagerly, and then stopped
+short, with crimson cheeks, as if startled by the sound of her own
+words.  "I mean I am the one they are vexed with; they want to punish me
+most.  If I stayed upstairs in my own room, or was sent to bed, why
+shouldn't the others have their party?  It would be an extra punishment
+to me to hear them dancing, wouldn't it now?"
+
+Mademoiselle threw up her bands in an expressive silence.  In all her
+experience of school life never before had she met a girl who pleaded in
+such coaxing terms for her own humiliation, and she was at sea as to
+what it might mean.  Either Pixie was guilty, in which case she was one
+of the most arrant little hypocrites that could be imagined, or she was
+innocent, and a marvel of sweetness and charity.  Which could it be?  A
+moment before she had felt sure that the former was the case, now she
+was equally convinced of the latter.  In any case she was gratified by
+the idea that she herself should plead for the breaking-up party, and
+was ready to promise that she would interview Miss Phipps without delay.
+
+"And ye'll not say that ever I mentioned it," urged Pixie anxiously,
+"for maybe that would put her off altogether.  Just ask as if it was a
+favour to yourself, and if she asks, `What about Pixie?'  `Oh, Pixie,'
+says you, `never trouble about her!  Send her to bed!  It will be good
+for her health.  She can lie still and listen to the music, and amuse
+herself thinking of all she has lost.'"
+
+The beaming smile with which this suggestion was offered was too much
+for Mademoiselle's composure, and, do what she would, she could not
+restrain a peal of laughter.
+
+"You are a ridiculous child, but I will do as you say, and hope for
+success.  I like parties too, but it will not be half so nice if you are
+not there, _petite_!  See, I was angry at first, and when I am angry I
+say many sharp things, but I am not angry any more.  If it had happened
+to anyone to break my bottle by mistake, she need no more be frightened
+to tell me.  I would not be angry now!"
+
+"Wouldn't you?" queried Pixie eagerly, but instantly her face fell, and
+she shivered as with dread.  "But, oh, Miss Phipps would!  She would be
+angrier than ever!  The girls say so, and it is only a fortnight longer
+before the holidays, and then we shall all go home.  If it is not found
+out before the holidays, it will be all over then, won't it?  No one
+will say anything about it next term."
+
+"I do not know, Pixie.  I can't tell what Miss Phipps will do," returned
+Mademoiselle sadly.  She felt no doubt at this moment that Pixie was
+guilty; but that only strengthened her in her decision to plead for the
+party, for it did indeed seem hard that twenty-nine girls should be
+deprived of their pleasure for the sake of one obstinate wrong-doer.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN.
+
+DIVIDED OPINIONS.
+
+"Girls," announced Miss Phipps after tea, two evenings later, "I have
+something to tell you which I am sure you will be delighted, and also
+much touched to hear.  You have, I suppose, taken for granted that no
+breaking-up party would be held this term, as I have unfortunately had
+to deprive you of all holidays and excursions.  For myself, I had put
+the matter entirely aside, as out of keeping with our present position,
+but you have had an advocate whom I have found it impossible to refuse.
+Someone has pleaded your cause so eloquently that she has gained the
+day, and I have now to announce that your party will be held as usual on
+Wednesday next, a few days before we break up.  Don't thank me, please!
+It is someone else who deserves your thanks.  Can you guess who it is?"
+
+The girls were jumping about in their seats, all excitement and delight.
+Ethel was tossing her curls, Flora beaming from ear to ear, Kate's eyes
+were dancing behind her spectacles, Margaret was looking across the
+table at Pixie with an anxious, scrutinising glance.  Who could it be--
+this unknown champion?  There were whispering and consulting on every
+side, but the first suggestions fell wide of the mark.
+
+"Mrs Vane!" said one, mentioning the name of the giver of the "Alice
+Prize," which was held in such importance in the school.  But no, it was
+not Mrs Vane.  "Miss Ewing!" cried another, naming a friend of Miss
+Phipps, who on one memorable occasion had begged a holiday for the
+entire school; but it was not Miss Ewing.  "Nearer home, nearer home!
+She is in this room now!" cried Miss Phipps, laughing; and then it was
+impossible to look at Mademoiselle's red cheeks and remain in doubt any
+longer.
+
+The gasp of surprise, of gratitude, of admiration that went round the
+room was the most eloquent acknowledgment of the generosity which had
+prompted the request, and Mademoiselle grew redder than ever, as she
+reflected that she would not have deserved any thanks had it not been
+for the suggestion of another.  She looked instinctively at Pixie, and
+met a smile which reached from ear to ear, and was fairly beaming over
+with exultation.  No one in the room looked so beamingly happy, but the
+next moment the smile gave way to a startled expression, as Miss Phipps
+continued slowly--
+
+"There is one girl whom I am unfortunately obliged to except in giving
+my invitation, and that is Pixie O'Shaughnessy.  Whether she is guilty
+of really breaking Mademoiselle's scent-bottle or not, it is impossible
+for me to say, but a suspicion has rested upon her which she has
+persistently refused to remove.  I cannot allow a girl who defies my
+authority to be among us on such an occasion, and though the fact that
+she is in disgrace will cast a shadow over our evening, I consider that
+I have no choice in the matter.  On Wednesday night, then, Pixie, you
+will have tea by yourself in the schoolroom, and go up to bed at seven
+o'clock."
+
+"I will, Miss Phipps," said Pixie faintly.  She had blushed until her
+face was crimson from the roots of her hair to the tip of her chin, and
+her face stood out like a vivid peony among those of her companions.
+Everyone looked at her, and the glances were more kindly than they had
+been for many a day; for it is easy to be sympathetic when we get our
+own way, and have shifted the burden off our own shoulders on to those
+of another.  When the Principal left the room, attention was almost
+equally divided between Mademoiselle and Pixie, who were each surrounded
+by a group of excited talkers.
+
+"Oh, Maddie, I do call you an angel!  It was simply sweet of you to
+plead for us when you have been the one to suffer.  I'll love you for
+ever for this!"
+
+"So shall I, Maddie, and you'll see how well I'll do my verbs!  I'll
+never worry you any more, but be so good and industrious.  Dance with
+me, do, the first waltz, and I'll be gentleman, and not let you bump
+into anybody!"
+
+"Pixie dear, I'm so sorry, but you would rather the girls had their
+party even if you couldn't go, wouldn't you, dear?"--this from Margaret,
+while Lottie tossed her head and said--
+
+"She needn't distress herself!  There is nothing to make a fuss about.
+Party, indeed!  A fine sort of party!  No one comes, and it is just like
+any other night, except that you dance and wear your best things!"
+
+"And have programmes, and trifles, and jellies, and crackers, and all
+sorts of good things, and sit up until ten o'clock!  But I'm awfully
+sorry you can't come, Pixie.  If I get a chance I'll bring you something
+upstairs from the supper-table.  You can't put lumps of jelly in your
+pocket, but if there is anything dry, I'll bring it to you when I go to
+bed!"
+
+"So will I, Pixie.  My party frock has a baggy front, so I can carry a
+lot.  I could get a whole cheese-cake in when no one was looking.  Or
+would you rather have a mince pie?"
+
+"I think I'd rather have--both," said Pixie sadly.  "I shall be so
+hungry, lying alone repining!  I have never been to a party except once,
+at Bally William, and that wasn't a party either, for there was only me
+and two other boys, and the girls of the house, but we had crackers all
+the same, and I got an elegant little fan.  The same I offered to you,
+Lottie, when you went out last time!"
+
+"I remember, but it didn't go with my dress.  That's another thing,
+Pixie--you haven't a dress to wear, so it's just as well you aren't
+asked, after all!  I managed to make you presentable for a half-term
+evening, but that old frock of yours would never do for a breaking-up
+party."
+
+Well, Lottie evidently intended to be comforting, but she had an
+extraordinary tactless way of going about it, Kate reflected angrily.
+She herself had a much happier inspiration, when she said with an
+elaborate affectation of relief--
+
+"And it's an ill wind that blows nobody good!  What we should have done
+without you to help us to dress, I really don't know!  Mind you come to
+me first now.  Ethel doesn't need you half so much, for her hair curls
+naturally, and mine always takes an unruly turn when it sees my best
+dress, and refuses to lie as I want it."
+
+The listeners opened their eyes significantly, for no one had ever seen
+Kate's hair untidy, and it was impossible to imagine the lank locks
+exhibiting roving propensities; but Pixie smiled, and that was all that
+had been desired.  Pixie flicked the tears away and cried eagerly--
+
+"I'll plait it in four, like I used to do Bridgie's when she went
+visiting.  You wouldn't believe the style there is to ut.  Esmeralda
+said no one would believe that it was really her own.  It was for all
+the world as if she had bought a plait and stuck it on.  I'll make yours
+look like that too, if you'll give me time!"
+
+"Oh, I'll give you time!" laughed Kate pleasantly.  Her conscience
+misgave her when she thought of her behaviour during the last days, and
+saw how ready the child was to forgive the cold contempt, with which she
+had been treated.  It was pleasant, too, to hear again of Bridgie and
+Esmeralda, who had been so long unmentioned, and who must really be the
+funniest creatures!  And now that the poor little scrap was to be
+punished in such drastic fashion, one might venture to show pity without
+being accused of encouraging wickedness.  After all, she had so far been
+convicted of no worse crime than obstinacy.
+
+Unfortunately for Pixie, some of her companions took a different view of
+Miss Phipps's decision, seeing in it a proof that the Principal at least
+was convinced of her guilt, and so felt themselves bound to follow her
+example by ostracising the offender.  Some of Lottie's followers were
+among the number, and that young lady found herself in the difficult
+position of being drawn two ways at once, for she had vowed to befriend
+Pixie, yet was loth to risk her popularity by acting in opposition to
+the general feeling.  She took refuge in an easy neutrality, remaining
+silent when gibing words were passed from mouth to mouth, and avoiding
+every opportunity of coming into contact with Pixie herself.  With so
+many girls about and the rush of examination work on hand, this was easy
+enough to accomplish, for Lottie was ambitious, and made special effort
+to come out in a good position on the list.  Every evening she pored
+over books to "stew" up the subject of the next day's exam, and every
+morning seated herself before her desk, and became immediately immersed
+in the paper before her.  Oh, those papers, what agony and confusion of
+spirit they brought to one poor scholar at least!  Pixie had been
+informed that the secret of examination work was to carefully read over
+the list of questions, and then set to work at once on the one she could
+answer best, be it number one or six; but what was a poor girl to do
+when she was convinced that she could not answer one at all?  No one had
+even imagined such a position, and yet it was the one in which she found
+herself over and over again during those last miserable days.  She was
+so unused to examination work that the formal wording of the questions
+frequently disguised their meaning, and made her imagine ignorance when
+in reality she could have answered correctly enough; and oh, what misery
+to look around the room and see every other girl scribbling for her
+life, and looking as if the only difficulty was lack of time to write
+all she knew!
+
+Pixie's mode of proceeding was to print an elaborate heading to her
+paper, and while away a quarter of an hour in adding ornamental
+flourishes to the double lines, and in elaborately darkening the down-
+strokes of her capitals.  Then she would scribble on her blotting-paper,
+dropping intentional blots upon a clean page, and weaving them into a
+connected picture with no little skill and ingenuity.  At this point a
+sharp reminder from teacher or scholar would bring her back to another
+melancholy perusal of the paper, and she would read and read the
+questions, in the melancholy hope of finding them grown more easy for
+the time of waiting.
+
+Sometimes a query was put in so straightforward a form that it was
+possible to answer it in a single word, and then with glee Pixie would
+print "Question two" in ornamental characters, and write "Yes!"
+underneath it with a glow of exhilaration.  At other times, as in the
+grammar paper, a question would make no calls on the memory, but would,
+so to speak, supply its own material, when she attacked it with more
+haste than discretion in her delight at finding something which she
+could really accomplish.
+
+To give an example--Miss Bruce, the English teacher, quoted the
+sentence, "How sharper than a serpent's tooth is an ungrateful child!"
+and asked to have it paraphrased so as to show the two predicates which
+made it into a complex sentence.  Pixie licked her lips over this
+opportunity, and squeak, squeak, squeak, went her pen along the paper,
+making the other girls look up and raise their eyebrows at one another
+in surprised comment.  Writing at last, and so eagerly too!  Pixie must
+surely have an inspiration at last; and so she had, for the big straggly
+writing set forth an extraordinary sentence: "How sharper it is to have
+an ungrateful child, than it is to have a serpent's tooth!"
+
+"Humph!" mused Pixie, gnawing her pen, "there's a queer sound to it too.
+If I didn't know for sure it was right, I'd be just as certain it was
+wrong!" and so the paraphrase remained, to astonish the eyes of Miss
+Bruce, and give her a hearty laugh in the midst of the dreary work of
+reading examination papers that evening.
+
+"Well, who comes out first in the exams it is impossible to say, but
+there is no doubt who will be last!  I don't think Pixie O'Shaughnessy
+will get more than a dozen marks for a single paper she has written,"
+was the remark of a certain Evelyn, one of the leaders of the anti-Pixie
+faction, on the day before the breaking-up party.  "We used to think her
+clever, but it was only a bubble, which has collapsed utterly the last
+few weeks.  A guilty conscience--that's my explanation!  I call her a
+hardened little wretch, for she doesn't seem to mind a bit not being
+allowed to come down to-morrow.  You might have thought that she would
+be perfectly miserable, but instead of that she really seems in better
+spirits than before."
+
+"She does, and she likes to hear about the party, too!  Just watch her
+when we are talking about it, and she is all eyes and ears.  We saw some
+of the refreshments coming in to-day, and she positively beamed!  I
+said, `Those are for supper to-morrow!' and she said, `Are they as nice
+as usual?  Do you think it will be as grand as last year?  Will you have
+every single thing just the same as if Miss Phipps hadn't been angry?'
+I said that if Miss Phipps did a thing at all, she would do it properly,
+and that I was quite sure it would be quite as `grand,' and she chuckled
+with delight, just as if she were going herself.  I can't make her out."
+
+"Perhaps she thinks that Miss Phipps will relax at the last moment, but
+if she does, she is very much mistaken.  There will be no pardon for her
+until she speaks the truth.  As I said before, I believe she is just a
+hardened little wretch who doesn't care what happens to her, and that is
+why she doesn't show any sign of feeling."
+
+"She has looked miserable enough until now.  Why not give her the
+benefit of the doubt, and believe that, whether she is guilty or not,
+she is generous enough to be glad that the whole school is not to be
+punished?" asked Margaret gently.  "Whatever Pixie has done, she is too
+warm-hearted to be called `hardened,' and I think some of you girls make
+a great mistake in treating her as you do.  You will never do any good
+by bullying, for she is so terrified at anything like unkindness that it
+makes it still more difficult to speak.  You would have more influence
+if you were kinder to her."
+
+"Oh, Margaret, you are so absurdly good-natured!  It's always the same
+cry with you.  You would forgive everybody, if you had your way!" cried
+Evelyn impatiently, and promptly flounced across the room, leaving
+Margaret and Lottie alone by the fire.  They looked at each other in
+silence, and then Margaret summoned up courage to make an appeal which
+she had been meditating for some days past.
+
+"They won't listen to me, Lottie, but they would if you asked them.  It
+is really cruel to be always gibing and jeering as they are, and the
+older girls ought to set a better example.  You are fond of Pixie too,
+and want to do the best for her.  Can't you persuade your friends to
+treat her better for the rest of the term?"
+
+Lottie shrugged her shoulders impatiently, and frowned in worried,
+discontented fashion.
+
+"It is only three days longer.  What is the use of making a fuss?  It is
+idiotic of Pixie not to tell what she was doing in Mademoiselle's room,
+and I can't go about lecturing the whole school because she chooses to
+be obstinate!  I am going to invite her to stay with me in the holidays,
+and will give her a good time to make up for all this.  What's the good
+of worrying?  The girls will be too busy packing and preparing for the
+party to think of her any more now."
+
+This was true enough, so true that Margaret could say no more, though
+she could not suppress the reflection that Lottie might have given the
+clue weeks before, if she had been so disposed.  "But, as she says, the
+worst is over.  Nothing much can happen in three days," she told herself
+consolingly; wherein she was for something very exciting indeed was
+fated to happen before half that time had elapsed!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE.
+
+THE DISCOVERY.
+
+The next afternoon all was bustle and confusion in Holly House, servants
+setting the tables in the dining-room, and clearing the large classroom,
+in preparation for the party, and governesses and pupils dressing
+themselves with as much care as though they expected to meet a hundred
+strangers, instead of the everyday school set, without a single
+addition.  Dresses which had not seen the light since the half-term-
+holiday were brought forth once more, with such additions in the shape
+of sashes, flowers, and gloves as befitted the greater importance of the
+occasion, and in her own bedroom Pixie O'Shaughnessy was whisking to and
+fro, attending to the wants of three exacting mistresses, who all seemed
+to require her at one and the same moment.
+
+"Hi, Pixie, come here!  This place is getting knee-deep in clothes.
+Just put them away."
+
+"Now then, Pixie.  I'm waiting for this hair-dressing!  You make it look
+like an artificial plait, or there'll be trouble in this camp."
+
+"Oh-h, bother!  The more hurry the less speed.  Now I've broken this
+tape.  Has anyone got a bodkin?  No, of course not!  There never is a
+bodkin when I want one.  You'll have to manage with a hairpin, Pixie,
+and be sharp about it.  I shall be late for tea at this rate!"  So on,
+and so on, and at each summons in rushed an eager little worker, so
+deft, so willing, so incredibly quick in her movements, that her
+mistresses were overcome with admiration.
+
+"Your hands do you more credit than your brains, young woman!"
+pronounced Kate judicially.  "You will never be a mistress of a High
+School; but you are a born lady's-maid, and you can come to me for a
+reference when you need it."
+
+"That's what Esmeralda says.  I am going to be her maid when she marries
+the duke.  He comes down to hunt near Bally William, but he really lives
+in England, in the most beautiful palace, with peacocks on the lawn.
+Esmeralda's going to have the drawing-room papered in yellow, to suit
+her complexion, and to set the fashion of having little sisters to wait
+upon you, like pages in old story-books," returned Pixie, with her mouth
+full of hairpins, and there was a rustle of excitement in the different
+cubicles.
+
+"Esmeralda engaged!  You never told us!  To a duke.  Which duke?  How
+lovely for her!  When are they going to get married?"
+
+"Now indeed I can't tell you!" returned Pixie regretfully.  She was
+proudly conscious of having made a sensation, and it did seem hard to be
+obliged to dispel it as soon as it was made!  "There's nothing settled,
+for, to tell you the truth, he has never so much as seen her yet, but
+she was visiting old Biddy Gallagher when he drove past to the meet, and
+at lunch says she, `He's the elegant creature, that duke!  I'm thinking
+of marrying him myself!' and took Bridgie's advice on the trousseau that
+very afternoon.  She says she won't be engaged until she is twenty-one,
+and that it's a pity to unsettle him about it yet awhile, as there's
+over two years to wait.  He wouldn't want to wait if he saw her, for
+she's more beautiful than anyone you ever saw out of a picture, though
+it's himself I pity when the tantrums is on her.  We often talk about
+it, and plan how we will spend his money, and if you want to put her in
+a good temper you've nothing to do but call her `Your Grace!'"
+
+"I never heard anything so silly!" cried Ethel scornfully.  Kate gave a
+mild "He, he!" as she watched the process of hair-dressing in the
+mirror, and reflected pensively that spectacles seemed strangely out of
+keeping with evening dress.  There was no doubt about it, she was
+astonishingly plain, and oh, how nice it must be to be beautiful like
+Esmeralda--so beautiful that even your own brothers and sisters admired
+you!  It was a natural longing, for every girl wishes to be attractive
+to others, and feels a pang if obliged to realise that the tribute of
+admiration can never be hers; but Kate was too sensible to grieve long
+over impossibilities.  "I shall have to be extra amiable to make up for
+it, that's all!" she told herself philosophically, as she lifted the
+hand-glass, and wriggled about before the glass to view the effect of
+the new coiffure.  It was most elaborate and hairdresser-windowish in
+effect, and if it were not exactly becoming, that was perhaps more her
+own misfortune than the fault of the operator, who had bestowed such
+pains upon the erection.  So she declared truthfully enough that she had
+never felt so fine in her life, and threatened to sit at the piano the
+whole of the evening, so that all beholders might have an opportunity of
+admiring her "back hair."
+
+Her toilet was now finished, but Ethel's bows were waiting to be tied
+and smoothed out, and Flora had to be laced into her dress, and to be
+consoled when again visited with the dread of finishing her career as
+the fat woman in a show.  Finally, the first bell for tea was heard
+pealing downstairs, and away ran the three girls, leaving poor
+Cinderella to tidy the cubicles, and almost forgetting to thank her for
+her services; for in truth they had been so cheerfully rendered as to
+appear a favour given, rather than received.
+
+Left to herself, Pixie stole into the corridor and flattened herself
+into a doorway to watch the gay figures descending the staircase.  The
+tidying away could wait for a few moments, but it was not often that one
+had the opportunity of watching so festive a scene.  Doors opened on
+every side, and out they came, one girl after another, so smart and fine
+that one could hardly recognise them for the blue-serged damsels of
+ordinary school life.  Down the stairs they tripped, with rustlings of
+silk and crinklings of muslin, dainty white shoes, looking daintier than
+ever against the well-worn carpet.  Such a crowd of girls, and each one
+looking brighter and happier than the one before.  Lottie in white,
+Margaret in blue, with her brown hair coiled round her head in a shining
+chestnut coronet, one after another, until at last there was no one
+left, and silence reigned in the corridor, broken only by a little sniff
+and sigh from the shadow of a doorway.  "And one little p-ig stayed at
+h-ome," sighed Pixie, trying hard to laugh, and assiduously licking the
+tears from her cheeks, as she hung school skirts in the cupboards, and
+folded everyday garments on bedroom chairs, in readiness for use on the
+following day.
+
+"Now they are all sitting down and beginning to eat!  There'll be
+nothing but jam and cakes and elegant bread-and-butter--so thin you
+might eat a plateful, and starve upon it!  I wonder what they'll be
+sending me upstairs.  I couldn't look at a bit of plain food, but plum
+cake would be medicine to me.  Me digestion was always delicate.
+Bridgie said so.  `The child needs tempting!'  I've heard her say, over
+and over again, when the milk pudding came in at the door, and my
+appetite went out.  I must go to the schoolroom now, I suppose, for Miss
+Phipps said I must be in my bed by seven.  Ellen has the soft heart--I
+wouldn't wonder if she brought me something nice to cheer me spirits!"
+
+Buoyed up by this hope, she ran off to the classroom, and there was
+Ellen herself at the door, looking at her with such kind, sorry-looking
+eyes, as if there was nothing she would like better than to carry her
+bodily downstairs.
+
+"Your tea is ready, Miss Pixie.  Miss Emily's orders were that I was not
+to bring you any cake, but I have brought something else that you will
+like better."
+
+What could that be?  Pixie rushed to the table, and oh, joy of joys,
+there lay a big fat letter with the Bally William postmark in the
+corner, and Bridgie's dear, well-known writing straggling over its
+surface.  No one in the world wrote such sweet letters as Bridgie, and
+how dear of her to time this one to arrive at the moment of all others
+when it was most desired!  Pixie gloated over it with sparkling eyes,
+kissed it, hugged it, poked at it with her fingers to discover exactly
+how many sheets it might contain, and finally devoured it and the bread-
+and-butter together in one long beam of delight.
+
+"Littlest and dearest, do you want to see us all, and know what we are
+doing?  It is eight o'clock, and we have had three dinners in
+succession, each lordly male waiting until the other had finished his
+meal before he could resign himself to come indoors, and at the third
+coming Molly sent for me to the kitchen to give warning for this day
+month, which same I took smiling, for it's never a bribe she would take
+to leave Knock Castle while an O'Shaughnessy was within its walls.  It's
+Pat that's sitting at the table now, eating apples and cracking nuts as
+languid as if the day was his own, and Esmeralda frowning thunder at him
+because she wants the table to draw a sketch for the newest picture,
+which is to make all our fortunes yet.  The Major is reading the
+newspaper, and groaning aloud at every comma, because the Government has
+no sense at all, and the only man who could put things straight is tied
+by the heel by half a dozen children.  The dogs are sitting in a circle
+round Pat, watching every bite with such big, longing eyes, and myself
+writing on my knee by the fire, with the ink on the fender,--looking
+threatening at the rug!  Says Esmeralda, `Five days more, and we shall
+see her again,' meaning yourself, to whom I write.  `Will she be grown,
+I'm wondering!  She's too small altogether, and yet we don't want our
+Pixie changed.  And the mimic she is!  Wait till we hear the fine
+English talk, and have her correcting us all, on account of our brogue!'
+Then Pat must up and say there was no room for him and an English
+accent in the Castle at the same time, and the Major rebuked him, and
+asked was it for pleasure he paid as much for schooling as could be
+spent sensibly on as fine a hunter as a man could wish, and besought us
+all to put ourselves at your feet, and learn what you could teach us.
+Then Esmeralda sighed and clasped her hands, and says she, `It's tired
+to death I am of my own family, and longing to meet somebody who has
+seen more of the world than Bally William.  Couldn't we tell the Pixie
+to bring home one of her friends with her, to divert us during the
+Christmas holidays?' and at that we all called out together, for we have
+been dull without you, little one, and looking forward to a frolic on
+Christmas.  Last year we were all too sad thinking of the dear mother,
+but this year she will want to see us happy.  I am sure she sees us, and
+often and often when I sit alone sewing as she used to do, I think about
+her, and feel she is near still, and it's only because my eyes are dim
+that I can't see her.  Well then, dearie, think over your friends, and
+decide which it shall be!  There's room at Castle Knock for anyone who
+has been kind to its baby, and it won't be our fault if she hasn't a
+happy memory of Old Ireland."
+
+The letter went on for another sheet, but Pixie's mind was so full of
+this new idea that she was hardly able to take in the words, on which
+her eye rested.  To take home a friend to Bally William!  To give an
+invitation on her own account, and be able to show the glories of the
+dear old Castle!  This was indeed a dazzling prospect, and the problem
+of deciding which friend it should be kept her occupied even when tea
+was over, and she was undergoing the humiliation of putting herself to
+bed in the chilly little cubicle.  Should it be Margaret?  No; for
+Margaret, with all her sweetness, had little sense of humour, and though
+Pixie could not reason out the matter for herself, she yet realised
+instinctively that she would be uncomfortable and out of place in the
+haphazard atmosphere of the Irish household.  Should it be Kate?  No,
+that would not do either, for at first sight Kate was not prepossessing,
+and the Major and the boys would certainly take a dislike to her
+straightway.  Should it be Flora--dear, fat, good-tempered Flora?  But
+what fun Esmeralda would make of her, to be sure, and how helpless she
+would be when attacked by the boys' badinage!  Pixie grew quite tired
+and sleepy puzzling out the question; her eyelids drooped down and down
+until the lashes rested upon her cheeks, and her thoughts passed
+unconsciously into dreams.
+
+Meantime, in the large classroom downstairs the other thirty pupils were
+enjoying themselves with a zest all the greater for the dullness of the
+weeks which had gone before.  The floor had been sponged with milk until
+it was quite smooth and slippery, a table supplied with such
+refreshments as lemonade, ginger-beer, and sweet biscuits, was placed
+outside the door, and the violin pupils took it in turns to accompany
+the piano, so that nothing was lacking to enhance the grandeur of the
+occasion.  Pretty little programmes were distributed around the room;
+blue for the ladies, pink for the "gentlemen," and after each dance the
+couples marched round and round the room, conversing together as if they
+were at "a real party," and tabooing the affairs of ordinary school
+life.  Then the gentlemen deposited their partners on chairs, and
+inquired, "May I bring you a little refreshment?" until the last drop of
+lemonade was drained, and only crumbs remained in the cake-baskets.
+They were all flushed and panting with the vigour with which they had
+joined in the dance, and at last Miss Phipps thought it wise to call a
+halt.
+
+"Now, ladies and gentlemen, you must really sit down for ten minutes!"
+she cried laughingly.  "If you get so overheated, you will be catching
+chills next, and I am sure you don't want to be invalided just before
+the holidays.  Come and take your places round the room, and we will ask
+Lottie to dance her pretty scarf-dance for us, as she looks the only
+cool member of the party.  There's your scarf, dear, in that drawer, and
+Miss Bruce will play for you.  You dance so nicely that it is a pleasure
+to see it."
+
+Lottie blushed with pleasure at such words of praise, and took her place
+in the centre of the room with smiling alacrity, and the watchers
+whispered admiringly to each other as they looked at the dainty, satin-
+clad figure.  Lottie was not really pretty, but she was always so
+charmingly dressed that she gave the effect of beauty, and to-night in
+her gala frock she certainly looked her best.  She danced gracefully and
+modestly, waving her chiffon scarf in the air, and moving it to and fro
+in a manner which looked easy enough, but which was in reality extremely
+difficult, and required no little effort of strength, so that by the
+time the dance was finished she was as flushed as her friends, and her
+breath came in quick, short pants.  Poof--how hot she felt, and how
+tired!  It was a relief to give the scarf into Mademoiselle's
+outstretched hands, and be free to feel for a handkerchief with which to
+wipe the moisture from her brow.  There was a little difficulty in
+finding her pocket, and the girls watched her fumbles with amused
+attention.  It was a little pause in the evening's entertainment, and
+for want of something better to do all eyes were fixed upon the figure
+which stood so prominently in the middle of the room.  "Try again!" they
+cried encouragingly, and Lottie made yet another dive downwards.  This
+time she was successful, for her hand disappeared into her pocket, and
+presently jerked upwards, bringing with it a small lace handkerchief
+rolled up into a ball, as if it had lain forgotten since the last time
+that the dress was worn.  She flicked it in the air, and at that
+something flew out and clattered on the floor near her feet.
+Mademoiselle stooped to pick it up, and threw up her hands with a cry of
+dismay.  It was a piece of glass, about half an inch in size, and in one
+corner was clearly discernible the end of an engraved letter--the letter
+"T!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
+
+EXPLANATIONS.
+
+"Pixie, awake! awake!  Oh, Pixie, open your eyes!  Get up, dear, get up!
+We want you downstairs!"
+
+Margaret bent over Pixie's bedside, tears shining in her eyes, and
+lifting the slight figure in her arms, shook it to and fro, until the
+grey eyes opened in astonishment, and a sleepy voice murmured--
+
+"Is't morning?  Time get up?"
+
+"Morning, no!  It is not nine o'clock, and Miss Phipps thought you would
+certainly be awake, with so much music going on; but it's no use, I must
+wake you, whatever happens!  Here's your dressing-gown.  Here are your
+bedroom slippers.  You have to come downstairs with me this minute!"
+
+"Am I the queen?" asked Pixie, waking up all in a moment, and peering
+mischievously into Margaret's face.  "When you are wakened up in the
+middle of the night, and taken downstairs in your dressing-gown and
+slippers, it's either a fire, or you are the queen, and the courtiers
+are waiting to kiss your hand.  You know it is, Margaret!  You have seen
+it in the pictures!"
+
+"Yes, I've seen it? and perhaps there may be courtiers waiting for you,
+Pixie; and kisses too, and a dear little crown to put on that shaggy
+head!  Great excitements have happened since you went to bed, and we
+know now that it was not you who broke Mademoiselle's scent-bottle.  We
+are almost certain that it was Lottie herself, and Miss Phipps has sent
+for you to help us!"
+
+Pixie gave a start of dismay, and the laughter died out of her face,
+leaving it scared and white.  Her fingers tightened round Margaret's
+arm, and she hung back trembling as they neared the schoolroom door.
+Another moment and they stood within the threshold, looking round on
+what seemed suddenly to have taken upon itself the aspect of a court of
+justice.  The girls were as before ranged round the walls, and at the
+end of the room stood a row of teachers; Fraulein and Miss Bruce flushed
+and excited, Mademoiselle with tears in her eyes, Miss Phipps with an
+awful sternness of expression, which gave place to a momentary softness
+as she looked at the new-comers.  Pixie glanced at them all, one after
+the other, and from them to the figure standing in the centre of the
+room, like a prisoner at the bar, her face white as her dress, her eyes
+full of terror and despair.  She gave a sharp cry of distress, and
+rushed forward with outstretched arms.
+
+"Lottie, Lottie, I didn't tell!  I never told--Lottie, Lottie, I kept my
+word!"
+
+A deep murmur sounded through the room as each hearer drew her breath in
+a sob of mingled conviction and regret, and of all the number Lottie
+seemed the most affected.  She burst into a paroxysm of tears, clasped
+Pixie in an hysterical embrace, then, thrusting her aside, turned
+eagerly towards Miss Phipps.
+
+"Oh, I will tell--I will!  It was all my fault--Pixie had nothing to do
+with it--I will tell you all about it."
+
+"It is more than time, Lottie.  Begin at once, and pray calm yourself
+until you have finished!" returned Miss Phipps coldly; and Lottie wiped
+away her tears, and struggled to keep back the rising sobs.
+
+"It was the night of the term-holiday--I was going out--I was dressed
+and going along the passage, and Mademoiselle's door stood open, and I
+saw the light shining upon the gold of the scent-bottle.  I had no scent
+of my own, and I thought I would go in and take a little of
+Mademoiselle's.  I knew she would give it to me if I asked, and if I
+told her next day there wouldn't be any harm.  But I was in a hurry, and
+I heard Pixie calling, and I put the bottle down too quickly, and the
+glass struck the corner of the table and fell into pieces in my hand.  I
+was so frightened--and there was no time to think, for Pixie was running
+along the passage, so I just mopped up the scent with my handkerchief,
+and flew to the door.  I suppose the piece of glass must have got in
+then, for the handkerchief has never been out of my pocket until to-
+night.  Pixie said, `Oh, what a smell of scent!' and I said something--I
+forget what--about its being rude to make remarks, and ran downstairs as
+quickly as I could go.  I was so wretched all the evening I didn't know
+what to do.  I thought when it was found out Pixie would be sure to
+tell; but when I came home the girls all said how lucky I was to have
+been out, for no one could suspect me, and I said nothing.  And I saw
+Mademoiselle crying, and I said nothing, and then I was afraid to speak,
+for it was too late!  Pixie came to me next morning and said, `Lottie,
+they think I broke the bottle because I was the only girl in
+Mademoiselle's room last night; but I know that you were there too, and
+that you had been taking some scent!' and I begged and prayed her not to
+tell anyone else.  I was so confused that I let her see I had broken it,
+but I said if she told I should get into trouble with my father, and she
+promised at once.  She was so willing, that I didn't feel as
+uncomfortable as I expected, but I was miserable when everyone blamed
+her, and she was punished.  I comforted myself by thinking that I would
+ask her to stay with me in the holidays, and make it up to her then.
+She never told me what she was doing in Mademoiselle's room--I tried to
+believe that she was really to blame.  She might have cracked the
+bottle, and that was why it broke so easily!"
+
+"And so the best reward you could give to the friend who shielded you at
+her own expense was to suspect her of deceit!  That will do, Lottie!
+You can go to your own room now.  I will deal with you to-morrow.  Now
+we will hear what Pixie has to say!"
+
+Miss Phipps paused impressively for a moment, and then spoke again in
+tones so sweet and gentle that it was difficult to recognise them as
+coming from the same voice which had spoken but a moment before.
+
+"Pixie, you have heard Lottie's explanation.  I will speak about that
+later on, but now I have a favour to ask you.  For my sake, dear--for
+all our sakes--to help us to get at the whole truth of this unhappy
+affair, I ask you to tell me frankly what you were doing in
+Mademoiselle's room when Ellen saw you there?"
+
+Pixie hung her head, and her cheeks grew am scarlet as the scarlet
+dressing-gown itself.  She lifted one little slippered foot and stood
+perched on the other like a funny little ruffled stork in the midst of
+the shining floor, and the watching faces of the girls were pretty to
+see with their expressions of tender amusement and sympathy.
+
+"Please, Miss Phipps," said Pixie hoarsely, "I was doing nothing.  I was
+only after putting in the hot bottle!"
+
+Miss Phipps stared, Mademoiselle gave a sharp exclamation of surprise,
+and turned impetuously to her Principal.
+
+"The 'ot bottle!  It is true.  I 'ave one every night, but I thought
+that Ellen--that one of the maids--"
+
+"We have put no hot bottle in your bed, Mademoiselle.  It is Miss
+Emily's rule that any of the young ladies may have bottles of their own,
+if they take the trouble to fill them in the bathroom as they go to bed,
+and to put them back there in the morning.  We never put one in a bed
+unless in the case of illness," said Ellen, who stood in a corner of the
+room, one of the most anxious and interested of the spectators; and at
+that Miss Phipps turned once more to Pixie.
+
+"Then are we to understand that it was your own bottle of which you are
+talking?  And what made you think of lending it to Mademoiselle?"
+
+"She told me that she was always cold," said Pixie faintly.  "I didn't
+like to think of her lying there shivering.  Bridgie gave me the bottle
+when I came away in a little red flannel cover.  `You're such a frog!'
+says she, `maybe this will warm you,' but I just roll my feet in my
+nightgown and hug them in my hands until they are warm.  I thought
+perhaps Mademoiselle couldn't do that.  Ye can't bend so easy when
+you're old, so she needed the bottle most."
+
+"_Ma petite_!" cried Mademoiselle.  "_Ma cherie_!"--and she would have
+rushed forward and taken Pixie into her arms straight away, had not Miss
+Phipps held her back with a restraining touch.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
+
+PIXIE INTERCEDES.
+
+"One more question, Pixie, and remember I place absolute reliance on
+what you say, for you have given proof that you are to be trusted.  You
+heard Lottie's insinuation that you might have had some share in the
+accident!  Had you touched the scent-bottle at all that night?"
+
+"I had not, Miss Phipps!"  The grey eyes looked into the face of the
+questioner with a steady light.  "I never noticed it at all until the
+girls began talking about it, and then said I, `I must have a look at
+that bottle before I'm much older,' and so I did that very same evening,
+but never a finger did I lay upon it.  I put me hands behind me back and
+just doubled meself over the table--like this!--looking at it all I
+knew, but not daring as much as to breathe upon it, and from that hour I
+was never within yards of its presence."
+
+"I understand!  But why, dear, have you refused to give us this simple
+explanation all these weeks?  It was surely only to your credit that you
+had thought of Mademoiselle's comfort before your own, so there was no
+reason for being so secret about it.  Did you not see that it would have
+helped your cause to have given this explanation?"
+
+"I--didn't--like!" said Pixie, twisting her finger in and out in
+embarrassed fashion.  "It was this way--that first night you were all so
+cross and so certain that it was me, because I had been in the room,
+that I was shy about telling.  You see Mademoiselle would have been
+obliged to be pleased with me, and she wasn't feeling disposed to be
+pleased just then, and it would seem as if I were trying to get off
+blame, by boasting of what I'd done.  I can't explain my feelings, but I
+couldn't tell!  The next day it would have been different, but Lottie
+begged me not to say what I knew, and we never told tales of each other
+at home.  The boys would have been cut in pieces before they had rounded
+on each other, so of course I had to give my word.  It was very
+miserable, because no one loved me, and in my home we have very
+affectionate ways, the one with the other; but Lottie said it was only a
+little time to the holidays, and after that all would be forgotten.  She
+did say she would ask me to visit her, and I wouldn't hurt her feelings
+by saying No, so I just wrote and told Bridgie to say I couldn't be
+spared, for I can't go anywhere but my own home.  And she said her
+father would be so angry with her if he knew, that never another happy
+moment would she have, and I knew my people wouldn't mind!"
+
+"And did you tell your people how unhappy you were?  Did you tell them
+what trouble you were in?" queried Miss Phipps softly, and at that Pixie
+shook her head with great emphasis.
+
+"I did not, Miss Phipps--I wouldn't dare!  They would be so terribly
+angry!"
+
+"But you said a moment ago that they `wouldn't mind'!  Then how could
+they be angry with you, dear?" asked Miss Phipps, smiling, and Pixie
+bent her head with a quick propitiatory bow.
+
+"'Deed, it was yourself they would be angry with,--not me!  If the two
+Houses of Parliament were walking up to Knock Castle and telling them
+that Pixie had told a lie and stuck to it for a month on end, they would
+only be calling shame upon them, to have nothing better to do than take
+away a lady's character, and the Major would say, `Twelve years have I
+known her, and never the day that she wasn't up to her neck in mischief,
+but no child of mine ever looked in my face and gave me the lie, and
+Pixie's not the one to begin.'  So never a word did I say, but just that
+the examinations were coming on, and we were not allowed to go out."
+
+"Pixie, come here!" cried Miss Phipps; and when the girl approached she
+received her with outstretched arms and framed the thin little face with
+her hands.  "Little Pixie," she said softly, "never say again that no
+one loves you in this house.  I have loved you from the first, and have
+felt it a real trouble to be obliged to doubt you, and now I love you a
+hundred times more for your loyalty and unselfish consideration for your
+friend.  You would have been wiser to be more candid about your own
+doings, but I appreciate your scruples, and the school code of honour
+has so many good points that I cannot bring myself to say that it should
+have been broken.  As for the conduct of a girl who would let another
+suffer as you have done rather than bear the consequences of her own
+misdoing, I have no words to express my horror and indignation,
+especially when she is a senior and you one of the youngest in the
+school.  It shows a want of principle which makes me despair of her
+future.  A sudden slip or disobedience I could pardon, but not
+deliberate deceit, and I am too fond of my girls, and too anxious about
+their welfare, to allow such an influence to remain in their midst."
+
+Like the shiver of wind among the trees, the word "Expelled!" came from
+a dozen quivering lips, and Pixie O'Shaughnessy clasped her hands in
+horrified appeal.
+
+"Oh, ye wouldn't--ye wouldn't send her away!  Ye wouldn't give her over
+to her father, and him so stern and cruel with her!  If she's been bad
+now, she was good before.  The girls were fond of her, and she was kind
+to meself, lending me her lace collar and all the fixings for the party.
+If it's for making me miserable you are after punishing her, I'll be
+more miserable than ever, and the girls will be miserable too--ask them
+if they won't!  Lots of them think there isn't another to touch her in
+the school, and they couldn't do that if she was all bad.  Punish her
+some other way, but oh, don't, don't send her away!  What's the use of
+me taking all the trouble if it's to be no good after all?"
+
+A smile came to Miss Phipps's lips at the innocent directness of the
+question, but she grew grave enough the next moment, and her voice
+sounded both sad and troubled as she replied--
+
+"You certainly give us a lesson in the way to forgive our enemies,
+Pixie, and I should be sorry to do anything that would make you
+`miserable'; but I must think of Lottie's good before our own
+preferences.  Mr Vane is too good and just a man to treat her unkindly,
+and is only stern because he has realised the weakness of her character.
+He is too anxious about her welfare to make it right for me to conceal
+anything from him, especially so flagrant a breach of honour; but
+perhaps--I don't know--if the feeling of the girls themselves is in her
+favour, I may consent to give her another chance.  I am glad to hear
+that she has been kind--"
+
+"Lottie is very good-natured, Miss Phipps.  She is a favourite with the
+girls.  They would be sorry to lose her.  I think it would be a
+punishment to her to feel that she had fallen so much in their opinion,
+and we would all like to give her another chance," said Margaret
+timidly, and Miss Phipps nodded kindly in reply.
+
+"Ah, well, we can decide nothing to-night.  It will need careful
+thinking over, and meanwhile we will banish the subject and make the
+most of the time that is left.  I am very sorry for the interruption,
+although in one sense we are glad of it too, for it has brought Pixie
+back amongst us.  She must go upstairs and dress quickly, and then we
+will have supper and put away unpleasant thoughts, and Mademoiselle must
+really dry her eyes, for I cannot have any more crying to-night."
+
+"If Peexie will forgeeve me!" cried Mademoiselle, stretching out her
+arms and clasping Pixie in so tight an embrace that when her little snub
+nose came again in sight, it bore the pattern of a steel button plainly
+stamped upon it.  "I won't forgeeve myself that I was so 'arsh and
+cross.  It was a poor thanks, _cherie_, for your kindness to me all
+these weeks when I have been so warm and comfortable.  I am ashamed to
+remember what I have done."
+
+"Small blame to you if you were mad when you believed I was telling a
+lie to your face!  But ye weren't half so nasty as ye think ye were,"
+said Pixie, beaming upon her in sweetest condescension.  "Sometimes ye
+were quite agreeable.  There was one day I was in with a cold, and ye
+came and cheered up me spirits until I hardly knew meself for the same
+creature."
+
+Mademoiselle lifted her hands with an eloquent gesture, as a sudden
+remembrance darted into her mind.
+
+"Ah, yes!  It is true.  And now I have something else to tell you, you
+girls!  It is Pixie whom you have to thank for this party, not me.  It
+was she who begged me to supplicate Miss Phipps for you.  She said, `She
+will say Yes if it is you who ask, but not to me, therefore you must not
+say my name at all; but if she will not give the party because I am to
+be punished, tell her to send me to bed and let the rest be 'appy.'  The
+dear child has thought of you when you were all so cross with her!"
+
+There was an outburst of cheering from all corners of the room, in the
+midst of which Evelyn fell back in her chair and tugged with both hands
+at her long dark locks.
+
+"And I called her a hardened little sinner!  I abused her like a
+pickpocket, and called her an ungrateful serpent!  Bring some sackcloth
+and ashes, somebody, quickly!  I shall go in mourning for the rest of my
+life!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
+
+AN UNEXPECTED INVITATION.
+
+"That child Pixie is more wonderful than ever.  What do you think she
+asks me next?" said Mademoiselle to Miss Phipps early the next morning.
+"The dear Breedgie has told her to invite a friend to return 'ome with
+her for the holidays, and she gives me the letter to read, and asks that
+it shall be me!  I have laughed, but it is no use; she is still in
+earnest.  I have said, `I am not a schoolgirl, and too old for you, my
+dear.'  She stares in my face, and asks, `'Ow old are you then?  Not
+more than forty, are you?'  Ah, dear!  If someone else had said that, I
+had been furious, for one does not like to be made ten years too old,
+but one cannot be angry with that child.  Then I said, `Your sister will
+expect a girl like yourself, and will be disappointed to see me, and
+that would be uncomfortable for both.'  But she would not listen to that
+either, but declared it would be still better for them, for they had
+wished for someone who had seen the world.  Nothing that I can say will
+convince her, but you know it is impossible that I should go!"
+
+"Well, really, Therese, I wish you would!" returned Miss Phipps,
+laughing.  "It has been a weight on my mind to think of your remaining
+here alone during the holidays; and I cannot stay with you, for I am
+bound to go to my old aunt.  As for Pixie taking one of the girls home
+with her, that is out of the question at this hour of the day.  If Miss
+O'Shaughnessy had sent an invitation even a fortnight ago, it might have
+been arranged, but now there is no time to write, and get permission,
+and make the necessary plans.  It is only in a case like yours, when
+there is no one else to consult, that such a very Irish invitation could
+be accepted; so either you go with Pixie, or she returns alone.  And
+that reminds me of another thing.  It would be a comfort to me if you
+could look after the child on the journey, for I have had a letter from
+the brother to say that he cannot decide definitely on what day he will
+cross.  How would it be if you accepted the invitation for one week,
+took the child safely home, and just left it to circumstances to decide
+what to do after that?"
+
+"You think I might venture--really?" asked Mademoiselle eagerly.  Her
+eyes brightened, and a flush of colour came into her cheek.  "If it
+would not be too absurd, I should like it ver' much!  We have heard so
+much of those dear sisters that we seem to know them already, and I
+should be glad of the change.  If, for example, you would write and say
+you would be more comfortable if I accompanied the child, and that I
+would stay a few days--that would perhaps make it easier!"
+
+"Certainly, with pleasure; and I shall be so glad if it ends in a nice
+holiday for you, dear!  The last part of the term has been so trying
+that we all need cheering up; and, from all we hear, I should think the
+household at Knock Castle must be a delightful study.  Young Mr
+O'Shaughnessy has promised to call this afternoon, so you had better
+come down and talk to him yourself.  I am sure you will find that he is
+as cordial as Pixie herself."
+
+This, indeed, proved to be the case, and greatly charmed was
+Mademoiselle with the handsome youth, who beamed upon her with Pixie's
+own smile, and who was so much warmer and more enthusiastic in his
+manner than his English brothers.  Jack, indeed, was an apt disciple of
+the Blarney Stone, and could pay compliments with any man in Ireland.
+He gazed at Mademoiselle with an expression in his eyes which seemed to
+say that never, no, never, had he met so charming a woman; his voice
+gurgled with emotion as he seconded his sister's invitation, and he bade
+her welcome to Knock Castle with the graciousness of a prince of the
+blood.  So handsome he looked, too, that Pixie's heart swelled with
+pride, as she beheld him seated on the sofa, in his frock coat and
+freshly creased trousers, looking, as she mentally expressed it, as if
+he never "gave a thought to money," which in good truth was the case,
+though in another sense to that in which she meant it.  The West End
+tailor would have a weary time to wait before Mr Jack troubled himself
+to pay for all his fine new clothes!
+
+Jack declared that it would be of all things the most helpful if
+Mademoiselle would escort Pixie home, for he himself would have to leave
+his journey until the very last moment before Christmas, when travelling
+would be both difficult and unpleasant.  He offered to telegraph to his
+sisters, prophesied that Mademoiselle would receive an immediate
+response, so that before he left the house the matter was virtually
+settled, and the extraordinary news spread through the school that
+Mademoiselle was going home with Pixie O'Shaughnessy to pay a visit to
+her relatives.  Surprise was the first feeling, envy the next, and the
+elder pupils were urgent in their demands for letters.
+
+"Write to us, Maddie, do!  Promise you will!  We are all dying to hear
+what they are like.  Tell us if Esmeralda is really as beautiful as
+Pixie says, and what Bridgie is like, and the boys, and `the Major,' and
+the Castle itself.  And tell us all you do, and exactly what happens
+when you arrive.  Write one really long, detaily letter, and we will
+send it the round of the class, so that we will all get the benefit.
+You will, Maddie, won't you?  We do want so badly to know about Pixie's
+home!"
+
+Mademoiselle laughed merrily.  It was astonishing how bright and young
+she looked in the prospect of the unexpected holiday.  She was in such a
+good temper that it seemed really impossible for her to say No.
+
+"I will tell you what I can, but you know it is not _comme il faut_ to
+criticise the house, in which you stay.  I will write all the pleasant
+things, but for the jokes--the _contretemps_, no!  Pixie shall do that
+if she will, I must keep them to myself.  If they are all as nice as the
+son whom I have seen, they must be charming.  I have never met a more
+pleasant youth."
+
+The girls wagged their heads in meaning fashion.
+
+"We saw him!" they said meaningly--"we saw him!  Pixie said he was
+coming about four, so we kept a lookout, and were obliged to go to the
+window to read some small print, just as he happened to walk up the
+steps.  Ethel heard the bell, and stopped practising five minutes before
+the time, and strolled casually downstairs to meet him.  He stood aside
+to let her pass, and she says he smiles with his eyes, just like Pixie!
+Oh, of course, we don't expect you to tell tales, but just to ease our
+curiosity.  We do take such an extraordinary interest in that family!"
+
+"There is another family in which I take an even greater interest just
+now, and that's the Vanes!" remarked Kate meaningly.  "Miss Phipps wrote
+to Mr Vane, and I met poor Lottie just now with eyes all magenta with
+crying over a letter she had just received from him.  She saw I was
+sorry for her, and I think she was thankful to have someone to talk to,
+for she asked me to read it."  She threw up her hands with a gesture of
+dismay.  "Well, I don't know what I should do if my father wrote me a
+letter like that!"
+
+"Ow-w-ow!"  Ethel shivered dramatically.  "How horrible!  What did he
+say?  Was it terribly furious?"
+
+"It wasn't furious at all, not even angry; but oh, so sad and solemn
+that it made you turn cold to read it!  `It had tears in it,' as
+Fraulein said of Margaret's singing, and you could tell he was so
+bitterly, bitterly disappointed!  Lottie felt that more than if he had
+been cross, for she does so love to be loved and fussed over; and if
+ever there was a poor thing scared out of her wits at the thought of to-
+morrow, it is herself at this moment.  He comes to take her away, you
+know, and instead of the holidays being a relief, as she expected, she
+is longing for them to be over.  She says now that she would rather not
+come back here, but go to some fresh school where no one knows about
+this trouble; but her father thinks it would be good for her to suffer
+the humiliation of losing her position among us, and says if Miss Phipps
+will have her, she must try to regain our esteem.  Ah, well, I was as
+disgusted with her as anyone could be, and felt inclined never to speak
+to her again when I thought how she had treated the Pixie; but I am
+dreadfully sorry for her now, when I compare her home-going with my own.
+I do have such a time!  The family is one beam of delight when I
+arrive; the children quarrel who shall sit by me at table, and I have
+all my favourite puddings.  My room looks so sweet with flowers on the
+dressing-table, and I sit up till ten o'clock, and mother comes to see
+me in bed and gives me a lovely hug.  Fifty-two more hours!  I'm so
+happy I couldn't be angry with my deadliest enemy!"
+
+"I saw Mr Vane once, and he looks a regular grey man," said Ethel in
+reply.  "Clothes, and hair, and eyes, and skin--all the same washed-out
+grey.  I don't wonder Lottie is in awe of him, and I'm thankful I am not
+mixed up in the business, so that he can't ask to interview me.  I
+believe he will want to see Pixie, though.  It would seem only natural.
+I wouldn't say so to her for the world, but don't you think Miss Phipps
+will send for her when he comes?"
+
+Some of the girls thought no, others thought yes, and events proved that
+the latter were in the right; for the next afternoon Pixie was summoned
+to the drawing-room in the middle of her packing, and entered to find
+Miss Phipps in earnest conversation with a tall, grave-looking man,
+while Lottie stood miserably by the window.  She looked tall and womanly
+in her travelling-cloak, and the pained glance which Mr Vane turned
+from her to the new-comer showed that he felt all an Englishman's horror
+at the idea of cruelty to the weak.
+
+"Is this--this surely can't be _Pixie_?" he asked anxiously.  "I did not
+expect to see anyone so--small.  She is surely very young!"
+
+He was really speaking to Miss Phipps, but as he held Pixie's hand in
+his, she felt it her duty to answer for herself.
+
+"No--I'm really quite old, but I'm stunted.  I'm twelve!" she said,
+smiling up at him, with the confiding look which was her best
+introduction to a stranger.  She was about to enlighten him still
+further as to the respective heights of the different members of her
+family, but a curious quiver passed over the grey face, and scared her
+into silence.
+
+"Twelve, are you, and Lottie is sixteen!  I sent for you, Pixie, to tell
+you how bitterly grieved Mrs Vane and I are to think of all you have
+suffered through our daughter's cowardice.  I wish it were in our power
+to do something for you in return, but I hope at least that Lottie has
+expressed her regret before leaving, and begged your forgiveness!"
+
+"No, she didn't beg anything.  She just cried, and hugged me, and I
+cried, and hugged her back.  I knew she was sorry from the beginning;
+and it was worse for her, because she knew all the time that she was
+wrong, and I was quite comfortable inside.  And she was very kind to me
+before that.  I liked her very much.  She gave me an elegant little
+brooch that she didn't want any longer."
+
+Mr Vane turned aside, and looked into Miss Phipps's face, and Miss
+Phipps looked back at him with a glance half smiling, half tearful, and
+withal wholly proud, as though justified in something about which she
+had previously been inclined to boast.
+
+"Pixie finds no difficulty in forgiving, Mr Vane, and I think the best
+thanks you could give her would be an opportunity of befriending Lottie
+still further, and helping her to regain her position in the school.  I
+think it is an encouraging omen for the future that it is the girls
+themselves who have persuaded me to take her back."
+
+"They are very good!  You are all very good," he said sadly.  "I need
+hardly say how much I appreciate your kindness.  Good-bye, then, little
+Pixie O'Shaughnessy, and I hope we may meet again under happier
+circumstances.  May you have happy holidays!"
+
+"I'm going home," said Pixie eloquently.  Her radiant face made such a
+striking contrast to that other bleached, frightened-looking visage that
+the father's heart softened as he looked from one to the other.  He took
+Lottie's hand and drew it tenderly through his arm.
+
+"And so is Lottie, and if her parents seem stern with her, it is only
+because they are anxious for her good.  She perhaps hardly realises the
+bitter pain it gives them to see her unhappy."
+
+"Father!" cried Lottie eagerly, and now for the first time she clung to
+him instead of shrinking out of sight, and seemed to find comfort in the
+touch of his hand.  The fifth-form girls, peeping cautiously out of the
+window a few minutes later, were amazed to see her descend the steps
+holding tightly to his arm, but they were too much engrossed with their
+own exciting preparations to have time to ponder over the phenomenon.
+Only Miss Phipps and Pixie knew that the "grey man" had a tender heart
+despite his sternness, and that Lottie had fallen into wise and loving
+care.
+
+The next morning all was excitement and bustle, cabs and omnibuses
+driving up to the door of Holly House to convey parties of pupils to the
+station, gushing farewells and promises to write taking place on the
+staircase, mysterious bundles, "not to be opened until Christmas
+morning," slipped into trunks at the last moment, and such racings up
+and down stairs in search of things forgotten as can be better imagined
+than described when thirty girls half-mad with excitement are on the
+point of starting for home.
+
+Mademoiselle and Pixie were among the first to leave, and, despite the
+very early hour of their departure, came in for such a magnificent "send
+off" that they felt quite like royal personages as they drove away from
+the door.  Meals would be supplied on train and boat, but they were
+laden with other comforts for the long journey in the shape of sweets,
+scent, books to read, and, alas! specifics against sea-sickness.
+Mademoiselle looked pensive whenever she thought of the hours on board
+the boat, but for the rest she was as gay as one of the girls
+themselves, and much interested in the country through which they flew.
+One great town after another appeared, and was left behind as they
+roared through the stations, seeing nothing but a blur of white faces
+and undecipherable letters upon a board.  Hour after hour and never a
+stop, morning changing into afternoon, and still no slackening of that
+wonderful onward rush.  Two o'clock, and then, just as Pixie was
+beginning to nod after her lunch, a sudden cry of admiration came from
+Mademoiselle by her side, and there, close at hand, so near that but a
+step would have taken them upon the beach, lay the beautiful, mysterious
+sea, its waters shining in the winter sunshine, the breakers making a
+ridge of white along the yellow shore.  The bathing vans were drawn up
+on the shingle, and there were no active little figures running to and
+fro digging castles on the sands, no nigger minstrels and gingerbread
+stalls and swarms of donkey-boys.  All was still and bare and lifeless,
+and as the short day closed in there was an eeriness about the scene
+which made the travellers glad to draw the curtains over the windows,
+and which gave an added cheeriness to the prospect of tea.  When
+Holyhead was reached, Mademoiselle lifted her bag and walked on board
+the steamer with the air of a martyr marching to the stake, and, to
+Pixie's dismay, laid herself down at once with an utter disregard of the
+tables spread out in the saloon.  She waited in what patience she could
+command until they were well on their way and the preparations for the
+evening meal grew more advanced, and then it was impossible to remain
+silent any longer.
+
+"Would ye not be taking something to warm ye, Mademoiselle?" she
+inquired anxiously.  "There's a lovely smell of cooking--two smells.
+One of them is cabbage, and the other smells like gravy spilt in the
+oven.  Doesn't it make you hungry, that nice greasy smell?"
+
+But Mademoiselle only groaned and bade her eat a biscuit and be silent;
+so for mere occupation's sake the wisest thing seemed to be to go to
+sleep, which she proceeded to do with extraordinary quickness.  Such an
+amount of groanings and clanking of chains mingled with her dreams that
+they naturally took the shape of confinement within prison walls, where
+she suffered many and wonderful adventures, and from which she was on
+the point of escaping under the most romantic circumstances when she was
+seized in the grasp of the jailer, as she at first supposed, but it
+turned out to be Mademoiselle herself--such a haggard, dishevelled
+Mademoiselle!--who bade her get up and put on her hat, for the sea was
+crossed at last, and they were anchored at the quay at Dublin.  Pixie
+felt as if roused in the middle of the night, and altogether it was a
+most dejected-looking couple who went shivering across the gangway in
+the pouring rain and made their way to the train for the third and last
+stage of the journey.  Neither spoke, but just lay prone against the
+cushions of the railway carriage, so much asleep as to be uncomfortably
+aware that they were awake, so much awake as to long hopelessly for
+sleep.  Mademoiselle determined drearily to send for her aged father,
+and spend the rest of her life in enforced exile on this grey, rain-
+swept island, since never, never again could she summon up courage to
+cross that dreadful sea, and the night seemed half over when Bally
+William was reached at last.
+
+The station clock was pointing to eleven, and a broken-down fly was
+waiting to convey the travellers to their destination.  In the dim light
+the surroundings looked both poor and squalid, but porter and flyman
+vied with one another in a welcome so warm that it went far to dissipate
+the cheerlessness of the scene.
+
+Pixie discoursed with them in animated fashion the while the trunks were
+being hoisted to their places.
+
+"Has anyone been here from the Castle to-day, Dennis?  They are all
+quite well, I suppose?"
+
+"They are so, Miss Pixie, and Miss Joan down upon us this morning,
+hinting of what would happen if Jock was forgetting the fly.  You mind
+the night the lady was arriving, and having to find her way in the dark
+while he was snoring in his bed?  It's a fine flow of language Miss Joan
+has of her own.  It's as good as a sermon to listen to her when she's
+roused, and Jock was getting the benefit of it this day!"
+
+"There's a fine tale he's spinning!" exclaimed the defaulting Jock,
+grinning in unabashed complacency.  "Don't you be after believing a word
+of it, Miss Pixie dear.  It would be a cold bed that would keep Jock
+Magee from driving ye home this night.  And the size of ye too.  You've
+grown out of knowledge!  It's a fine strapping lass you will be one of
+these days."  And Jock gazed with simulated amazement at the elf-like
+figure as it stepped forward into the lamplight.  "My Molly was biddin'
+me give you her duty, and say her eyes are longing for the sight of you
+again."
+
+"I'll come to-morrow, as soon as I can get away.  Give Molly my love,
+Jock, and say I was often thinking of her.  He is a decent fellow, Jock
+Magee!" she explained to her companion, as the ramshackle vehicle
+trundled away in the darkness.  "A decent fellow, but he has been
+terrible unlucky with his wives.  They fall ill on him as soon as
+they're married, and cost him pounds in doctors and funerals.  This one
+has asthma, and he expects she will die too before very long.  He says
+it doesn't give a man a chance; but he's the wonderful knack for keeping
+up his spirits!"
+
+He had indeed.  Mademoiselle found it difficult to think of the jovial,
+round-faced Jehu as the victim of domestic afflictions, and for the
+hundredth time she reflected that this Ireland to which she had come was
+a most extraordinary place.  Nothing could be seen from the windows of
+the fly save an occasional tree against the sky, but ever up and up they
+climbed, while the wind blew round them in furious blasts.  Then
+suddenly came a bend in the road, and a vision of twinkling windows, row
+upon row, stretching from one wing to the other of a fine old building,
+and each window glowing with its own cheery welcome.
+
+"It's illumined!" cried Pixie wildly, pinching Mademoiselle's arm in her
+excitement.  "It's illumined!  Oh, Bridgie, Bridgie, did I ever see!
+Mademoiselle, Mademoiselle, did ye ever have a castle illumined for you
+before?  Did they ever give you such a welcome in your own country?"
+
+"Never, never!" cried Mademoiselle.  She was almost as excited as Pixie
+herself, craning forward to peer out of the windows, counting
+breathlessly the long line of lights, and reflecting that she had not
+sufficiently realised the grandeur of the household, to which she was
+coming.  Another moment and a still brighter light shone through an
+opened doorway, and a chorus of voices sang out welcome.  Then the fly
+stopped, someone helped her to alight, a hand clasped hers
+affectionately, and a rich, soft voice spoke in her ears.
+
+"Are you destroyed?  The journey you've been having, poor creatures, in
+the wind and the rain!  Are you destroyed altogether?"
+
+This was Castle Knock indeed, and Bridgie O'Shaughnessy's fair face
+beamed a welcome upon her.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
+
+KNOCK CASTLE ONCE MORE.
+
+Mademoiselle was so exhausted that she begged to retire at once, and was
+forthwith escorted to a huge cavern of a room, which boasted tapestried
+walls, an oaken ceiling, and a four-poster bed large enough to have
+accommodated the whole fifth-form at a pinch.  It looked cheery enough,
+however, in the light of a great peat fire, and the visitor was feeling
+so unwell after her stormy crossing that her one overpowering desire was
+to lay her head upon the pillows, and revel in the consciousness that
+her journeyings were at an end.  Her tact suggested also that this
+affectionate family would be glad to have their baby to themselves for
+the first meeting; but when she woke up refreshed and vigorous the
+following morning, she was full of eagerness to get downstairs, and make
+the acquaintance of the O'Shaughnessys in their own home.  The night
+before she had been so faint and dazed that she had gone automatically
+through the various introductions, and as the lights inside the rooms
+were by no means as bright as those at the windows, even the very faces
+seemed seen through a mist.  But Bridget had mentioned eight o'clock as
+the breakfast-hour, so Mademoiselle leaped out of bed, and, wondering a
+little why no one appeared to bring tea, hot water, or a bath, made the
+best work of her toilet which was possible under the circumstances.
+
+Truth to tell, the room did not appear so attractive in the light of a
+dark December morning, aided by one flickering candle upon the dressing-
+table.  The tapestry was worn into holes, the carpet was threadbare, and
+the silk curtains had faded to a dull grey hue.  The general aspect was
+so grim and dull, both within the room and outside in the wind-swept
+park, that the sun-loving Mademoiselle made all speed she could to get
+downstairs to the cheering influences of breakfast and fire.  The sound
+of voices guided her when she reached the ground floor, and she entered
+a room on the right of the hall, hoping to see the family already
+assembled to meet her.
+
+What a disappointment!  Not one welcoming face did she see, not a sign
+of breakfast upon the table, and but a flicker of light on the huge
+grate, before which knelt one untidy maid, while another stopped short
+in her dusting operations to stare at the new-comer with unconcealed
+amazement.
+
+"Was this perhaps not the room where breakfast was held?"  Mademoiselle
+inquired politely, but it appeared that this was the room.  And she had
+understood Miss O'Shaughnessy to say that the hour was eight o'clock.
+Had she been mistaken in her impression?
+
+Molly laughed, and shook her duster in the air, so that the atoms which
+she had swept together were instantly dispersed afresh.
+
+"'Deed, you were right enough.  The hour is eight, but you'll be in fine
+time if you're down by nine," she replied encouragingly; and poor
+Mademoiselle felt her heart sink at the thought of the weary hour which
+stretched between her and the longed-for meal.  Nothing solid to eat
+since one o'clock yesterday, and now to have to sit shivering and
+watching the provisions slowly taking their place on the table, deterred
+by politeness from helping herself to as much as a slice of bread.  She
+felt intensely sorry for herself, but, after all, the prospect was the
+worst part of the business, for the kindness of the Irish heart came to
+her rescue, and while Molly blew at the fire with a pair of huge leather
+bellows, her companion scuttled upstairs into the room where Bridgie lay
+sweetly sleeping, to bring her out of bed with a bound with the
+information that the "foreign lady was in her clothes, and after
+inquiring for her breakfast."
+
+In an incredibly short space of time Bridgie appeared downstairs, and as
+she broke into vehement apologies, Mademoiselle had an opportunity of
+studying her face, and came to the conclusion that the little sister
+had, if anything, understated its charms.  Surely never did sweeter grey
+eyes shelter behind curling black lashes, and look out of a broader,
+fairer brow.  The waving hair was of purest flaxen, and the careless
+coiffure was as becoming as if arranged by the most skilful of
+hairdressers.  What if the mouth were large, and the nose of no
+classical outline, no one who looked into Bridget O'Shaughnessy's eyes
+had either time or inclination to look further.
+
+"I'm ashamed to think of you sitting here all by yourself!" she cried,
+holding both Mademoiselle's hands in hers, and smiling into her face
+with a beguiling sweetness.  "We always call the breakfast-hour eight;
+because, if we said nine, it would be ten, and ye must be punctual in
+arranging for a family.  But it's all for the best, for I've told Molly
+to bring something in at once, and you and I will have a cosy meal
+before the rest appear.  And you are looking quite fresh and bright this
+morning--that's good!  My heart was broken for you last night, when you
+came in all perished with cold.  And it was so good of you to take the
+long journey to give us this pleasure.  You don't know the excitement
+there was in this house when Jack's telegram arrived!  If we were
+pleased to think of having a child for the holidays, imagine our delight
+when it was a girl like ourselves--a companion for Esmeralda and me!"
+
+"A girl like ourselves!"  Oh, Bridgie, Bridgie, you must have had a
+taste of the Blarney Stone too, to have ignored so completely the ten
+years which separated you from your visitor; but, needless to say,
+Mademoiselle bore you no grudge for your short-sightedness, and was only
+too happy to be classed as a girl once more.
+
+They sat down to breakfast together, and presently one member after
+another of the family strolled in, and took their share in entertaining
+the stranger.  The Major put on his most fascinating air, and revived
+recollections of an old visit to "Paree," and Pat and Miles stared
+unblinkingly at every morsel she put between her lips.  They were both
+handsome lads, but Pat in especial had such languishing eyes, such an
+air of pensive melancholy, that he seemed almost too good for this
+wicked world, and as far as possible removed from the ordinary
+mischievous schoolboy.  Mademoiselle wondered what beautiful poetic
+fancies were passing through his brain as he lay back in his chair and
+pushed the curls from his forehead.  Then his eyes met hers, and he
+smiled angelic questioning.
+
+"Do you have frogs for breakfast in your home in France, Mademoiselle?"
+
+"Pat, be quiet!  That's very rude."
+
+"It is not, Bridgie; it's thirst for information.  Or snails,
+Mademoiselle?  Have you often eaten snails?"
+
+"Never once, nor frogs neither.  We have a breakfast much as you have
+here.  Rolls of bread, and honey, and butter, and coffee--ver' good
+coffee!" and there was a regretful tone in Mademoiselle's voice, as she
+struggled womanfully to swallow the grounds of chicory which seemed to
+constitute the leading feature of coffee as served at Knock Castle.  She
+did not intend to show her distaste, but the Major exclaimed in eager
+agreement with the unspoken criticism.
+
+"And this stuff is not fit to drink!  If you will teach my girls to make
+coffee as you have it in France, Mademoiselle, you will be doing me a
+lifelong favour.  I suppose you can cook by instinct, like most of your
+countrywomen?"
+
+"I think I can--pretty well, but I do not often get the chance.  If Miss
+Breegie will let me teach her some of our favourite dishes, it will be a
+pleasure to me too!  I used to be very happy cooking tempting things for
+my father to eat!"
+
+"Hark to that now, Bridgie!  There's no better ambition for a young girl
+than to wait upon her father and see to his comfort!" cried the Major
+solemnly; and a merry laugh rang out from the doorway as Esmeralda came
+forward, and standing behind his chair, clasped her arms round his neck,
+the while she sent her bright, inquiring glances round the table.
+
+"The whole duty of woman is to wait upon man! and a good long time she
+has to wait too, if the man is anything like yourself, me dear!  We will
+make him an omelette for his lunch this very day, Mademoiselle, if he'll
+promise to eat it when he returns an hour past the proper time!  I hope
+you're well, and had a good sleep after your travels."
+
+Mademoiselle murmured something in reply, but what, she scarcely knew,
+so absorbed was she in studying the charming picture made by father and
+daughter, the Major with his hair scarcely touched with grey, his
+charming smile and stalwart figure, and above him Esmeralda, in all her
+wonderful, gipsy-like beauty.  Her hair was as dark as Bridgie's was
+fair, and stood out from her head in a mass of curls and waves, her
+features were perfect in their haughty, aquiline curves, and the bloom
+of youth was on her cheeks.  With such hair and colouring it would have
+been natural to expect brown eyes, but what gave to her face its note of
+distinction was the fact that they were grey, and not brown--wonderful
+clear grey eyes, which gave the beholder a thrill of mingled surprise
+and admiration every time she lifted her curled black lashes and turned
+them upon him.  Mademoiselle stared in speechless admiration, and
+Esmeralda's brothers and sisters stared at her in their turn, well
+pleased at the effect produced; for what was the use of groaning beneath
+the whims and tyrannies of "the beautiful Miss O'Shaughnessy," if one
+could not also enjoy a little honour and glory once in a while?
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
+
+ESMERALDA'S WILES.
+
+It was easy to see that if Pixie were the pet, Esmeralda was the pride
+of her father's heart, and exercised a unique influence over him.  She
+seated herself by his side at the table, and they teased and joked
+together more like a couple of mischievous children than a staid, grown-
+up father and his daughter.  The girl was quick and apt in her replies,
+and Mademoiselle was conscious that the Major kept turning surreptitious
+glances towards herself, to see if she were duly impressed by the
+exhibition.  He evidently delighted in showing off Esmeralda's beauty
+and cleverness, and that in a wider circle than home, for presently he
+said meaningly--
+
+"The hounds meet at Balligarry on Monday, Joan.  It will be the best run
+we have had yet, and the whole county will be there.  You'll arrange to
+come with me, of course."
+
+"I'd love to, but--" Esmeralda raised her brows, and looked across the
+table with a glance half appealing, half apologetic--"it's Bridgie's
+turn!  I went with you the last time."
+
+"And the time before that!" muttered Miles into his cup; but the Major
+waved aside the suggestion with his accustomed carelessness.  "Oh,
+Bridgie would rather stay at home.  She'll be too much taken up with
+Mademoiselle to have any time to spare."
+
+Mademoiselle looked, as she felt, decidedly uncomfortable, but the first
+glance at Bridgie's face sufficed to restore her complacency, for the
+smile was without a shadow of offence, and the voice in which she
+replied was cheerfulness itself.
+
+"Indeed that's true!  We can get hunting for half of the year, but it's
+not every day we have a visitor in the house.  You go with father,
+Esmeralda, and don't think of me!  We will have a fine little spree on
+our own account, Mademoiselle and I!  Maybe we'll drive into Roskillie
+and have a look at the shops!"
+
+Mademoiselle remembered the Rue de la Paix, and smiled to herself at the
+thought of the shops in the Irish village, but she said honestly enough
+that she would enjoy the expedition; for would not Bridgie O'Shaughnessy
+be her companion, and did she not appear sweeter and more attractive
+with every moment that passed?  Nearly an hour had elapsed since
+breakfast began, and still she sat behind the urn, smiling brilliantly
+at each fresh laggard, and looking as unruffled as if she had nothing to
+do but attend to his demands!  It was the quaintest meal Mademoiselle
+had ever known, and seemed as if it would never come to an end, for just
+as she was expecting a general rise the Major would cry, "What about a
+fresh brew of tea?  I could drink another cup if I were pressed," and
+presto! it took on a new lease of life.  Last of all Pixie made her
+appearance, to be invited to a seat on each knee, and embraced with a
+fervour which made Mademoiselle realise more fully than ever what the
+child must have suffered during those weeks of suspicion and coldness.
+
+"How's my ferret?" she inquired, with her mouth full of toast, selected
+from her father's plate; and Pat seized the occasion to deliver his
+outstanding account.
+
+"Grown out of knowledge!  Eightpence halfpenny you owe me now.  I had to
+put on another farthing a week because his appetite grew so big.  I knew
+you would rather pay more than see him suffer.  And the guinea-pig died.
+There's twopence extra for funeral expenses.  We put him in the orchard
+beside the dogs, and made a headstone out of your old slate.  It's a
+rattling good idea, because, don't you see, you can write your own
+inscription!"
+
+"If it was my own slate, and I am to make up the inscription, I don't
+see why I should pay!" reasoned Pixie, with a business sharpness which
+sent her father into fits of delighted laughter, though it left Pat
+obstinately firm.
+
+"Man's time!" he said stolidly.  "That's what costs nowadays.  You look
+at any bill, and you'll find the labour comes to ten times as much as
+the material.  You needn't grudge the poor thing its last resting-place.
+He was a good guinea-pig to you."
+
+"I don't care how much I owe, for I have no money to pay with," returned
+Pixie, unconsciously echoing her father's financial principles.  "Give
+Pat a shilling, please, Major, for taking care of my animals while I was
+away."  And that gentleman promptly threw a coin across the table.
+
+"I wish my animals were as cheap to keep!  Well, who is coming out with
+me this morning?  I have an appointment in Roskillie at 10:30, but I
+can't be there now until 11, so there's no use hurrying.  Put on your
+cap, piccaninny, and come to the stables with me.  The girls will look
+after you, Mademoiselle, and find some means of amusing you for the
+day."
+
+"Oh yes, we'll take care of her!" said Esmeralda lightly; then, as the
+boys withdrew after their father, she planted her elbows on the table
+and looked across under questioning eyebrows.  "Please, have we to call
+you `Mademoiselle' all the time?  Haven't you a nice, pretty French name
+that we could call you instead?"
+
+"Therese!  Yes, please do!  I should feel so much more happy!" cried
+Mademoiselle eagerly, and Bridgie nodded in approval.
+
+"Therese is charming, and it's so much more friendly to use Christian
+names at Christmas-time.  I shall begin at once.  We want you to help us
+with the decoration of the rooms, Therese!  We shall be just a family
+party, but Jack will be at home, and we will have games and charades to
+make it lively.  We might rehearse something this morning, mightn't we,
+Joan dear?"
+
+"_I_ mightn't!" replied "Joan dear" promptly, "because why?--I've got
+something better to do.  There is plenty of time still, and you will
+agree with me later that my business is important.  If you put on a
+cloak, Therese, I will come back for you in ten minutes, and take you to
+the stables to join father and Pixie.  It will amuse you, I'm sure."
+
+She left the room without waiting for a reply, and Bridgie heaved a sigh
+of disappointment.
+
+"She's just mad after horses, that girl.  Now she will be off with
+father, and not a sight of her shall we have until afternoon.  It's easy
+to say there is time to spare, but to-morrow we must decorate, and look
+after all the arrangements for Jack's return, and I do hate a scramble.
+However, when Esmeralda says she won't, she won't, and there's an end of
+it.  You had better go with her, dear, while I interview the servants."
+
+"I suppose I had," said Mademoiselle slowly.  She thought Esmeralda
+selfish and autocratic, but she was fascinated, despite herself, by her
+beauty and brightness, and anxious to know her better; so she obediently
+went up to her room to heap on the wraps, for the morning was cold,
+though by this time the sun was struggling from behind the clouds.  On
+the way down she was joined by Esmeralda in riding costume--a most
+peculiar riding costume, and, extraordinary to relate, most unbecoming
+into the bargain.  Mademoiselle's critical glance roamed from head to
+foot, back again from foot to head, while Esmeralda stood watching her
+with tightened lips and curious twinkling eyes.  Then Bridgie appeared
+upon the scene, and stopped short, uttering shrill cries of
+astonishment, as she looked at the slovenly tie, the twisted skirt, the
+general air of dishevelment and shabbiness.
+
+"Esmeralda, you're an _Object_!  Look at the dust on your skirt.  You've
+not half brushed it, and everything is hanging the wrong way.  It's a
+perfect disgrace you look, to ride out with any man!"
+
+"I'm delighted to hear it!  That's just my intention," replied the young
+lady, tugging the disreputable skirt still further awry, and nodding her
+beautiful head, with an air of mysterious amusement.  The blue serge had
+a smudge of white all down one side, which looked suspiciously as if the
+powder-box had been spilt over it.  A seam gaped open and showed little
+fragments of thread still sticking to the cloth.
+
+If Esmeralda's intention was to look disreputable, she had certainly
+accomplished her object; and when the stables were reached she took care
+to place herself conspicuously, so that her father's eyes must of
+necessity rest upon her.
+
+"I'm going to ride to Roskillie with you, dad!  It's a fine morning, and
+I thought you would be the better of my company."
+
+"That's a good girl!" cried the Major cheerily; then his brow puckered,
+and he stared uneasily at the untidy figure.  He was so unnoticing about
+clothes that it required a good deal to attract his attention, but
+surely there was something wrong about the girl's get-up to-day?  He
+kept throwing uneasy glances towards her while the horses were brought
+out, and Esmeralda strolled about in a patch of sunshine, and picked her
+steps gingerly over the muddles, like a model of fastidious care.  She
+sprang to the saddle, light as thistledown, and curved her graceful
+throat with a complacent toss, as the groom smoothed her skirt, bringing
+the white stain into full prominence.
+
+"You want dusting!" said the Major curtly, and a brush was brought from
+the stable, and scrubbed vigorously up and down, with the result that
+the surface of the cloth was frayed and roughened, though there was no
+appreciable removal of the stain.
+
+"It doesn't seem as if it would come out, does it? but there are plenty
+more further on," said Esmeralda innocently.  "Have a try at another,
+Dennis!"--but the Major motioned the man away with a hasty gesture.
+
+"Leave the rag alone--it's past dusting!  Is that the best habit you
+have to your back?" he cried testily, and the dark eyes looked into his
+with angelic resignation.
+
+"It was a very good habit--six years ago!  That's as good as twelve, for
+we've worn it in turns ever since.  The bodice is the least thing in the
+world crinkly, for I'm broader than Bridgie, and stretch it out, and
+then it goes into creases on her figure.  We might try washing the skirt
+to take out the stains, and then it would be clean, if the colour _did_
+run a bit!  Ride round by the back roads, dear, and I'll keep behind,
+and not disgrace you!"
+
+"Humph," said the Major again, and led the way out of the yard without
+another word, Esmeralda following, looking over her shoulder at the
+little group of watchers with a smile of such triumphant enjoyment as
+took away Mademoiselle's breath to behold.  She looked inquiringly at
+Pixie, but Pixie and Dennis were in silent convulsions of enjoyment, and
+only waited until the riders were out of hearing before exploding into
+peals of laughter.
+
+"That bates all for the cleverness of her!  Miss Bridgie has been
+fretting over that old habit for a couple of years, and trying to
+wheedle a new one out of the Major, but it's Miss Joan that can twist
+him round her little finger when she takes the work in hand!  That was a
+funny stain, that got the worse the more you brushed it!  She never got
+that on the hunting-field.  Go back to the house, Miss Pixie, dearie,
+and tell the mistress the new habit is as good as paid for.  The Major's
+not the man I take him for, if he passes the tailor's door this morning
+without stepping inside!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
+
+CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS.
+
+Esmeralda strolled into the house in time for afternoon tea, and smiled
+complacently around as she warmed herself at the fire.
+
+"Blue cloth!" she announced triumphantly.  "No more serge, thank you,
+but good, solid cloth with a fine surface to it, and a smart little coat
+instead of a bodice, which was pure unselfishness on my part, for I
+should have been fitted well enough, and the man pressed it on me, but I
+thought of you, me darling, and the agony it would be to you to have
+your waist misjudged by a couple of inches, so I stuck to the coat, and
+I hope you are grateful!"
+
+"I am," said Bridgie frankly; but there was a pained expression mingling
+with her satisfaction, and presently she added slowly, "So Dennis was
+right, and you got your way again.  I have been trying for ages to
+persuade father that we needed a new habit, but he paid no attention to
+me."
+
+"You didn't go about it the right way, me dear.  You are fifty times
+cleverer than I, but there is one thing you don't understand, and that
+is how to manage men!  They hate and detest being told what to do, and
+the secret of getting round them is to make them believe that what you
+want is their own suggestion.  You have to be very cunning, and that's
+just what you can never manage to be!"
+
+"Yes, she can!" came a shrill cry from the doorway, as Pixie burst into
+the room and made a bee-line for the tea-table.  "Indeed she can now,
+Esmeralda, so it's no use denying it.  She can, perfectly well!"
+
+The three listeners looked at each other with questioning glances, for
+such vehemence was somewhat bewildering on the part of one who could not
+possibly have heard the first part of the conversation.
+
+"What can she do?" queried Esmeralda sternly.
+
+"Whatever you say she can't," replied the champion, unabashed; and at
+that the cloud rolled off Bridgie's brow, like mist before the sun.
+
+"Oh, you precious goose!  Bridgie can do everything, can't she?  She
+always could in your eyes.  It's very silly of you, dear, but it's very
+nice.  I'm not at all vexed with you about it."
+
+"You would be, though, if you were her true friend, but you always spoil
+one another, you two!" cried Esmeralda lightly.  Then she stared round
+the room with a surprised expression, and added disapprovingly, "You
+seem to have been fairly lazy while I've been out.  I thought you would
+have been getting on with the decorations.  Whatever have you been
+doing?"
+
+"Roaming about, and actually daring to enjoy ourselves like other
+people," retorted Bridgie, with what Mademoiselle was glad to recognise
+as a decided nip of severity; "but from this minute there must be no
+more playing until the work is finished.  Dennis has cut the evergreens,
+and we must begin making wreaths at once, so as to be in order when Jack
+arrives to-morrow evening.  We could have two hours' work before
+dinner."
+
+"I loathe making wreaths; they are so dirty and prickly, and I take a
+pride in me hands; they are the only ones I have, and what's the use of
+sleeping in white kid gloves, the same as if I were dressed for a party,
+if they are to be scratched all over with that hateful holly?"
+Esmeralda stretched out two well-shaped, if somewhat large, hands, and
+gazed at them with pensive admiration; but Bridgie was firm, and,
+scratches or no scratches, insisted that she should take her own share
+of the work.  As soon as tea was over, then, the family descended to the
+servants' hall, a whitewashed apartment about as cheerful as a vault,
+and but little warmer despite the big peat fire, where they set to work
+to reduce a stack of evergreens into wreaths and borderings for cotton
+wool "Merrie Christmases" and "Happy Newe Yeares" reserved from former
+occasions.
+
+Pat and Miles cut the branches into smaller and more workable
+proportions.  Pixie unravelled string and wire, and the three elders
+worked steadily at their separate wreaths.  At the end of an hour they
+had progressed so well that it was suggested that the three fragments
+should be tied together, and the wreath hung in the hall, to clear the
+room for further operations.
+
+The suggestion being universally approved, a stormy half-hour followed,
+when each of the five O'Shaughnessys harangued the others concerning the
+superiority of his or her own plan of decoration, and precious lives
+were imperilled on the oldest and shakiest of step-ladders.  The boys
+could naturally mount to the highest step without a fear, but, when
+mounted, were so clumsy and inartistic in their arrangements that they
+were called down with derisive cries, and retired to sulk in a corner.
+Then Bridgie lifted her skirt and gallantly ascended five steps, felt
+the boards sway beneath her, and scuttled down to make way for her
+sister.  The daring rider across country possessed stronger nerves, but
+also a heavier body, and the ladder creaked so ominously beneath her
+that she insisted upon the whole company acting as props, in one breath
+sending them running for hammer and rope, and in the next shrieking to
+them to return to their posts.
+
+By the time that the wreath was really hung, the friction had reached
+such a pitch that Mademoiselle expected a state of civil war for the
+rest of the evening, and even wondered if the atmosphere would have time
+to clear before Christmas itself.  She could hardly believe the evidence
+of her senses when the boys affably volunteered to clear away the
+rubbish, and Bridgie and Esmeralda went upstairs with wreathed arms,
+calling one another "Darling" and "Love," with the echo of sharp taunt
+and sharper reply still ringing in the air!  Certainly, if the Irish
+tongue were quick, the heart seemed even quicker to forgive an enemy, or
+pardon an offence.
+
+By the time that Mademoiselle retired to bed that night the last remnant
+of strangeness had vanished, and she felt like a lifelong friend and
+confidante.  She had seen the menu for the Christmas dinner, and had
+helped to manufacture jellies and creams, while Pixie perched upon the
+dresser, industriously scraping basins of their sweet, lemony, creamy
+leavings, with the aid of a teaspoon and an occasional surreptitious
+finger when her sisters were looking in an opposite direction.  She
+suggested and achieved such marvels in the way of garnishing that Molly
+was greatly impressed, being a very plain cook in more ways than one,
+and solemnly asked for advice upon the killing of turkeys, when
+Mademoiselle had to acknowledge ignorance, and lost caste forthwith.
+Then Esmeralda invited her to a display of evening dresses in her
+bedroom, and wished to know which she should wear--the black silk with
+the net top, or the net top over a white skirt, or the black silk with
+no top at all, and Bridgie plaintively appealed to her for the casting
+vote on the great question of crackers or no crackers!
+
+It was certainly a curious mingling of grandeur and poverty, this life
+in the half-ruined Castle, with its magnificent tapestries and carvings,
+its evidences of bygone splendour, and, alas! present-day parsimony.
+The little house at Passy could have been put down inside the great
+entrance hall, but it was a trim little habitation, where on a minute
+scale all the refinements and niceties of life were observed, and income
+and expenditure were so well balanced that there was always a margin to
+the good; but the Misses O'Shaughnessy, who bore themselves as queens in
+the neighbourhood, and were treated with truly loyal deference, owned
+hardly a decent gown between them, and were seriously exercised about
+spending an extra half-crown on a Christmas dinner!
+
+"It's the trifles that mount up!  I am a miser about pennies, but I can
+spend pounds with the best!"  Bridgie explained; and Mademoiselle smiled
+meaningly, for had not the order just gone forth that the Castle was to
+be "illumined" once more for the arrival of the son and heir?
+
+On Christmas Eve the rain fell in torrents, and, after a morning spent
+in preparations of one sort and another, the workers felt the need of a
+little amusing recreation.  This did not seem easy to achieve, in this
+lonely habitation set in the midst of a rain-swept plain, but Bridgie's
+fertile brain came to the rescue, and proposed a scheme which kept the
+young people busy for the rest of the afternoon.
+
+"I vote we have a fancy-dress dinner to-night!" she cried, at the
+conclusion of lunch.  "Not an ordinary affair, but like the one the
+Pegrams enjoyed so much when they were spending the winter in
+Grindelwald.  `A sheet and pillow-case party,' they called it, for that
+is all you have out of which to make your dress.  I will open the linen-
+box and give you each a pair of sheets, and a pillow-case for head-gear,
+and you must arrange them in your own rooms, and not let anyone see you
+until the gong rings.  It really will be quite pretty--all the white
+figures against the flags and holly, and we shall feel more festive than
+in our ordinary clothes.  I think it will be great fun, don't you?"
+
+Great fun indeed!  The O'Shaughnessy family was always ready for any
+excitement, and particularly so at Christmas-time, a season when we all
+feel that we _ought_ to be festive, and are injured in our minds if
+there is nothing to make us so.
+
+Esmeralda fell at once to pleating her table-napkin into one shape after
+another, Mademoiselle smiled over a happy inspiration, whereupon wily
+Pat put on his most angelic look and asked--
+
+"Will you dress me, Mademoiselle?  A man's no good at this sort of
+thing.  You can't fasten sheets with screws, and I'm no hand at fancy
+stitching.  I've an idea I'd look rather well as--" He whispered a few
+words in her ear, and Mademoiselle threw up her hands, and laughed, and
+nodded in emphatic assent.
+
+Pixie and Miles fell to Bridgie's share, while the Major declared that
+he would have nothing to do with such foolishness, but with a ruminating
+expression on his face which belied the words.
+
+Bridgie went upstairs immediately after lunch, and, opening her linen-
+chest, apportioned its contents among the different members of the
+family.  Some wanted large sheets, some wanted small; some begged for
+frills to their pillow-cases, some preferred plain; but at last all were
+satisfied, and were further supplied with tape from the various work-
+baskets, while Pixie was sent a round of the bedrooms to pick up the
+pins, with which the floors were liberally scattered, as the demand in
+this direction was so large as to be practically unlimited.
+
+Esmeralda flew off at once, with the boys in her train; but Mademoiselle
+lingered to help Bridgie to fold away the linen that was not needed, and
+to enjoy the luxury of a quiet chat, which was not an easy thing to
+accomplish in this noisy household.  Bridgie in company was always
+laughing and gay, but the visitor had already noticed that Bridgie alone
+was apt to grow grave and to wear a wistful pucker on her brow.  It was
+there now as she locked the chest and sat down on the lid, stretching
+out her arms with a sigh of weariness.  The wintry light left the
+gallery full of shadows, and the only bright thing to be seen was the
+girl's own golden head outlined against the oak walls.  Mademoiselle
+thought that if she had been an artist she could have wished for no
+fairer picture than this old-world corridor, with the fair face of the
+young mistress shining out like a lily in the darkness; but the lily
+toiled more than she liked to see, and she could not restrain a protest
+against the custom which gave one sister all the work, and another all
+the play.
+
+"You are tired already before the day is half over, and now you have
+those children's dresses to look after as well as your own!  Why do you
+not make Esmeralda help, instead of doing everything yourself?"
+
+"Esmeralda, is it?"  Bridgie's face lit up with a smile as she repeated
+the name.  "Indeed now, Mademoiselle, I'm never worked so hard in my
+life as when Esmeralda has been trying to help, and I have to tidy away
+after her!  She has the best will in the world, poor thing; but work
+doesn't come naturally to her.  You mustn't be hard on her.  She shows
+her worst side to a stranger, for, though her first impulse may be
+selfish, when she takes time to think, she is all generosity and
+kindness.  That habit, now!  She was longing to have a fitted bodice,
+but she chose a coat, out of consideration for me.  She is a darling,
+and so young yet that I don't like to worry her.  Let her have a good
+time as long as she may.  It will be hard enough soon."
+
+Mademoiselle started and looked alarmed questionings, and Bridgie smiled
+in response, saying in cool, conversational tones--
+
+"We are ruined, you know!  We can't go on living here much longer.
+Father has spent all his money, and we should have had to leave before
+now, but that he came into a little more at mother's death.  It was not
+much, and it is going very fast.  It can't be more than a year or two at
+most before the crash comes, so you can't wonder I let the boys and
+girls enjoy themselves, can you?"
+
+"_Mais oui_!  I wonder very much!" cried Mademoiselle, dismayed at what
+seemed to her prudent mind such a fatal way of preparing for a
+difficulty.  "The kind thing surely would be to prepare them for what
+will come.  It will make it more hard if they have never known work.  In
+three years one can do much to prepare for a struggle.  Why do you not
+speak to your sister, and say it is time to stop play?  Why do you not
+send her away to work, and then perhaps the bad day need never come
+after all?"
+
+Bridgie looked surprised, almost shocked at the suggestion.  The easy-
+going Irish nature saw things in a different light from that taken by
+the thrifty Frenchwoman; moreover, the idea of girls working for
+themselves was still viewed as decidedly _infra dig_ by the old-
+fashioned inhabitants of Bally William.  She gasped at the thought of
+her father's wrath at such a suggestion, then laughed at the idea of
+Esmeralda's earnings being large enough to stave off the coming ruin.
+
+"I'm afraid it would be taking more than that to prevent it, Therese!
+You don't know the state our landlords are in over here.  There's no
+money to be got at all, and things go from bad to worse.  Until mother
+died I didn't know how poor we were, and at first I wore myself to
+pieces saving pennies here and halfpennies there; but there's not much
+fun in saving twopence when nothing less than thousands of pounds would
+do any good.  I grew tired of it, and says I to myself, `A short life,
+and a merry one!'  If I can't help, I'll just put the thought from my
+mind, and give the young ones a good time to remember.  No use troubling
+the creatures before it's necessary!"
+
+Mademoiselle grunted in eloquent disapproval, and wished to know whether
+the master of the house had been equally philosophical.
+
+"Is it the Major?" cried Bridgie, laughing.  "He never troubles himself
+about anything, and he has it all fitted up like a puzzle.  Esmeralda is
+to marry a duke, Jack a countess in her own right, and meself a
+millionaire manufacturer, who will be so flattered at marrying an
+O'Shaughnessy that he will be proud to house Pixie into the bargain.
+Pat and Miles are to go to London to seek their fortunes, and the Castle
+is to be let--to Jack and his wife by preference, but, failing them, to
+anyone who offers, when the Major can keep himself and his hunters on
+the rental without a `Thank you' to anyone.  It works out so beautifully
+when you hear him talk, that it seems folly to trouble oneself
+beforehand."
+
+"And suppose you don't marry?  Your country is full of old maids.  And
+suppose the Castle does not let?  It is very far from--anywhere!" said
+Mademoiselle, who had lived in the gayest city in the world, and felt
+the solitude of Bally William only a degree less absolute than that of
+the backwoods themselves.  "Suppose none of these things of which you
+speak were to 'appen, what then?"
+
+"Indeed, I can't tell you!" returned Bridgie, truthfully enough.  "And--
+excuse me, me love, it's not a very diverting suggestion for the time of
+year!  Let me keep my millionaire, if it's only for the day, for by the
+same token I'm quite attached to him in prospect!  Will you come and
+visit me, Therese, when I'm comfortably established in my soap bubble?"
+
+She was laughing again, full of mischief and wilful impracticability,
+and Mademoiselle was tactful enough to realise that the time was not apt
+for pressing her lesson further.  Later on she would return to the
+charge, but to-day at least might be safely given over to enjoyment.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINETEEN.
+
+PAT'S TAUNT.
+
+When the gong sounded that night two white-robed figures stole out of
+Mademoiselle's room, and crept quietly along the gallery.  Pat was
+arrayed as a knight of old, wearing a pair of Esmeralda's old white
+stockings, surmounted by loose linen trunks, the rest of the sheet being
+ingeniously swathed round his body, and kept in place by such an
+elaborate cris-crossing of tape as gave the effect of a slashed doublet.
+A thickly pleated cloak, (made out of sheet number two), hung over his
+shoulders, and the pillow-case was drawn into a cap, which was placed
+jauntily on the side of his head.  As handsome a young knight as one
+could wish to see was Mr Patrick O'Shaughnessy, and the manner in which
+he held Mademoiselle's hand, and led her down the great staircase,
+evoked thunders of applause from the watchers beneath.
+
+Mademoiselle herself looked worthy of her squire, for her dark, animated
+face stood the test of the unrelieved whiteness so successfully, that
+she was all ablush with delight at the discovery that she was not an old
+woman after all, but on occasion could still look as girlish as she
+felt.  She was attired as a Normandy peasant, with turned-back skirt and
+loose white bodice; but the feature of the costume was undoubtedly the
+cap, which looked so extraordinarily like the real article that the
+sceptical refused to believe in its pillow-case origin, until the
+buttonholes were exhibited in evidence.
+
+"It is wonderful--wonderful!  But how have you made it so stiff and
+crinkly?" the Major inquired curiously; and Mademoiselle laughed in
+gleeful triumph.
+
+"I 'ave curled it with the curling tongs--not perhaps curl, but what the
+washerwoman would say--`goffer,' and for the rest, can you not see the
+wire?  It is a piece I have taken upstairs after the decorations, and it
+is stitched in to keep the folds in place; but I must keep my 'ead
+still, for it is not too strong.  You are very fine too, sir.  You are,
+I suppose, some old patrician?"
+
+"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!" declaimed the Major,
+throwing his arms about with impassioned gestures.  His white toga fell
+in graceful folds round his tall figure; his arms were bared to the
+elbows; he wore a twisted turban, which was impressive, if not exactly
+appropriate; and it was really an imposing spectacle to behold him
+strutting up and down the hall, with a great display of sandalled feet,
+of which he was evidently immensely proud.
+
+Bridgie sat demurely on a high-backed chair, a sweet-faced nun, with her
+golden hair hidden from sight, and her dark-lashed eyes looking lovelier
+than ever when contrasted with the white bands across her forehead.  She
+had been so busy dressing others that she had had no time to plan
+anything more elaborate for herself; but if she had worked for days she
+could not have hit on a costume more becoming to her style of beauty.
+It was scarcely in character, however, to shriek aloud with laughter, as
+she did a moment later, as Mark Antony was suddenly arrested on his
+march by an apparition which leapt forward from behind a screen, and
+advanced upon him to an accompaniment of unearthly groanings.
+
+Miles as a ghost was certainly an eerie figure; for by means of a stick
+strapped to his back the sheet was raised to an abnormal altitude, while
+a couple of tennis rackets held in either hand, made extended wings,
+with which to swoop about, and raise warning signals to the onlookers.
+He chased Mark Antony until that classic gentleman threatened fight with
+a poker; when he amused himself by groaning vigorously at Pixie, who had
+been attired as a "Lady in Waiting"--not, it must be confessed, with any
+striking success; and who was somewhat ruffled in her temper through
+constant trippings over her train.
+
+"Ye stupid thing!" she cried crossly.  "Be over hooting at me!  If you
+are a bogie, you can go and haunt by yourself, and not molest your
+betters!  It's the worst dress of the lot.  Nothing but three sticks and
+the sheets in knots.  You had better rest yourself a bit, and groan
+while we are at dinner, for your head is covered up that tight that
+you'll never be able to eat!"
+
+"Trust me!" cried Miles, and somewhere about the middle of the ghost the
+white folds parted, and out peered a crimson face with twinkling eyes,
+and a mat of damp curls falling over the forehead.  "You don't catch me
+taking any part which interfered with eating!  Contrariwise--I'm best
+off of you all, for I have just to drop my sticks, and--there I am!  The
+sheet falls down, and I eat my dinner in comfort, instead of being
+stewed alive, as you will be before it's half over."
+
+"That's true for you!  I feel as if I had mumps already!" sighed the nun
+sadly; but the next moment she gave a cry of delight, and pointed
+eagerly across the hall.
+
+"Esmeralda!  Oh, look! look!"
+
+There had been so much to see and admire that the absence of the second
+daughter of the house had not been noticed; but even as Bridgie spoke
+each one realised that her late arrival was just what might have been
+expected.  The beautiful Miss O'Shaughnessy had preferred to be sure of
+her audience before appearing upon the stage; for, to judge by the
+continuous rumble of the sewing-machine which had sounded from her room,
+she had bestowed no little pains upon her costume.
+
+Great expectations are apt to be disappointed; but in this instance it
+is safe to say that the reality exceeded the wildest dreams, for it was
+almost impossible to believe that this charming figure owed her attire
+to no more promising materials than ordinary bed-linen!  Esmeralda had
+aimed at nothing less ambitious than a Watteau costume, and the rumbling
+of the machine was accounted for by one glance at the elaborately
+quilted petticoat.  She had folded a blanket between the double sheet,
+so as to give the effect of wadding, and an ancient crinoline held out
+the folds with old-world effect.  For the rest she wore the orthodox
+panniers on the hips, and a bodice swathed as artistically as might be,
+round the beautiful bare neck and arms.  Her hair was dressed high and
+powdered, and the pillow-case was drawn into the shape of a hood which
+dangled lightly over her arm.  Half-way down the staircase she came to a
+stand, and stood sunning herself in the applause of the beholders, then
+came slowly forward, and, standing in the middle of the floor, revolved
+slowly round and round, so as to display every feature of her costume.
+It was certainly a marvel of ingenuity, and amidst the general chorus of
+praise, Mademoiselle could not refrain from improving the occasion by
+remarking that such a good needlewoman should have no difficulty in
+turning dressmaker for her own and her sisters' benefit.  The reply to
+this insinuation was a threatening grimace, and Esmeralda made haste to
+draw her father's attention to another topic.
+
+"Aren't you proud of me now, father dear, and cut to the heart to think
+that no one will see me but yourself?  Sure it's a crime to waste all
+this splendour on the desert air!"--and she rolled her eyes at him with
+a languishing glance, and smiled so bewitchingly, that the Major rubbed
+his hands in delight, and fell unhesitatingly into the snare.
+
+"Faith, and you're right!  It's a perfect crime.  We should have asked
+some of the neighbours to see you.  Bridgie, why did you not think of
+that, now?  We might have had a pleasant little party to amuse your
+friend, instead of taking all this trouble for nothing!"
+
+"Not on two days' invitation, father, and besides, Jack is not here yet.
+While he is at home, perhaps--"
+
+"Yes, father, on New Year's Eve!  Give us leave to ask some people on
+New Year's Eve, and we will plan such a wonderful programme as will be
+the talk for miles around.  I'm brimful of ideas, and we have not had
+any sort of entertainment for two years now.  Say we may ask them, won't
+you, dear?"
+
+But at this the Major began to look uneasy, for it was one thing to find
+fault with Bridgie for not having given an invitation in the past, and
+quite another to be asked to sanction a fresh one in the future.
+
+"Who will you be wanting to ask?" he queried anxiously.  "Never did I
+meet such an exacting child!  My mouth's no sooner opened than you are
+ready to jump inside!  `A wonderful programme,' says she.  And who's to
+pay for it, may I ask?  You would ruin me between you, you children, if
+I hadn't saved you the trouble long ago.  How much will this
+entertainment be costing me now?"
+
+"Oh, twopence halfpenny!  Not more than that.  We will kill the old
+turkey, that is so tough that he is fairly pleading to be killed, and
+use up the dessert from Christmas, and Mademoiselle shall make us some
+of her fine French dishes, and there will be so much going on that there
+will be very little time to eat.  Make your mind easy, and trust to me."
+
+"I'll see you through!" cried Esmeralda grandly; whereupon the Major
+shrugged his shoulders, and reflected cheerfully that a few pounds more
+or less made little difference.  Let the girl have her way! she had been
+kept too long in seclusion as it was, and what was the use of possessing
+the most beautiful daughter in the county if you could not show her off
+to your friends once in a while?
+
+Silence was rightly interpreted as consent, and having gained her point,
+Esmeralda was wreathed in smiles and amiability for the rest of the
+evening.
+
+The Major dispensed with his toga at an early hour, and Nun and Ghost
+alike shed their wrappings and appeared in ordinary evening dress; but
+Esmeralda was too complacently conscious of looking her best to make any
+change in her attire.  Dinner passed hilariously enough, and then, the
+rain having ceased, the Major put on his coat and went out for a walk in
+the grounds, while the ladies retired to their snuggery upstairs and
+made themselves comfortable round the fire.  To them entered presently
+Master Pat, white knight no longer, but an ordinary shabby stripling
+with pensive eyes and an innocent expression.  He sat himself down in
+leisurely fashion, and gazed at his second sister with melancholy
+interest, as one far removed from youthful follies and grieved to behold
+them in those he held dear.
+
+"You are the only one who has kept on her dress!  I suppose you don't
+mind what you suffer, so long as you make an appearance!  It's a pity,
+as you said, that there is no one to admire you, but if you would like
+to meet a stranger, why don't you go for a walk down the left wing and
+back by the hall?  The moonlight is shining in at the windows, and you
+know the old saying that if you walk by yourself in the moonlight to-
+night you will see the spirit of your future husband waiting for you!
+You might have a peep at him now, and come back and tell us what he is
+like!"
+
+Esmeralda turned her head on the cushion, and looked at him with a lazy
+smile.
+
+"What nonsense are you talking?  You are thinking of Hallowe'en, stupid!
+That has nothing to do with to-day!"
+
+"It has, then!  It's just as good as Christmas Eve.  We been told so by
+those that know, but you want to get out of it because you haven't the
+pluck.  All girls are afraid of the dark."
+
+"You said yourself it was moonlight!  I shouldn't be afraid to walk the
+whole round of the Castle if it came to that, but I don't see why I
+should.  I'm snug and comfortable here, and it's not worth disturbing
+myself to convince a boy like you!"
+
+"So you say."  Pat wagged his head in undisguised scepticism.  "It's
+easy to talk, my dear, but I should prefer actions to words.  You made a
+poor show on that ladder yesterday, and I don't like to own a coward for
+my sister.  Look here now, you were worrying me to give you that racket,
+and I said I would do nothing of the kind, but I'll change my mind and
+hand it over to you to-night, if you will walk that round and come back
+here without letting a single howl out of you the whole time!"
+
+Bridgie drew her brows together and looked suspicious at this unwonted
+generosity, but Esmeralda sprang to her feet, all eagerness and
+excitement.
+
+"You will now?  Honour bright?  If I walk down the left wing, go down
+the circular staircase, and round by the hall, you will hand the racket
+over when I come back?"
+
+"I will so!"
+
+"You hear that, you girls?  You are witnesses, remember!  I'm off this
+minute, and if I meet my spouse I'll bring him back for a warm by the
+fire, so stoke up and get a good blaze.  I hope he will think I am
+becomingly arrayed."
+
+He was sure to do that, was Mademoiselle's reflection as she smiled back
+into the sparkling face, and watched the tall figure flit down the
+corridor.  Quite ghost-like it looked in the cold blue rays which came
+in through the windows, the dead white of the dress standing out sharply
+against the darkness of the background.  It was almost as if the spirit
+of one of those old ancestors whose portraits lined the walls had come
+back to revisit her old home, and Bridgie shivered as she looked, and
+turned on Pat with unusual sharpness.
+
+"What nonsense are you up to now?  She'll not catch anything but her
+death of cold, wandering about those galleries with her bare arms and
+neck.  Spirits indeed!  You ought to know better than to believe in such
+nonsense; but there's some mischief afoot, or you wouldn't be so
+generous all of a sudden.  What's the meaning of it now?  Tell me this
+minute!"
+
+Pat's grin of delight extended from ear to ear; he stood in obstinate
+silence until the last flicker of whiteness disappeared in the distance,
+then shut the door, and deliberately barred it with his back.
+
+"Sit down, then, and I'll give the history; but don't attempt to get
+out, for you'll not pass this door except over my dead body.  You say
+she won't meet anybody, do you?  That's where you are wrong, for he's
+waiting for her at this very minute.  He came ringing at the door five
+minutes ago, the young Englishman that's with the Trelawneys, and that
+father was after offering a mount to the other day.  `Is Mr
+O'Shaughnessy at home?' says he.  `He is, sir,' says Molly, knowing no
+better, for she never had a sight of the Major after dinner.  `Can I see
+him for a moment?  I'll not come farther than the hall, for the cart's
+waiting, and I am not fit to enter a room.'  So with that he comes in,
+six foot two, if he's an inch, and covered from head to foot in a shiny
+white mackintosh, with his head peeping out on top, and I've seen uglier
+men than him before this.  I was coming down the stairs after shedding
+me sheets, and Molly was asking me where the Major might be, so I told
+her to send Dennis in search, and I was all smiles and apologies for the
+darkness of the place, with only the one lamp and the fire dying out on
+the hearth.  `I'll fetch more light,' says I, and, `Pray do nothing of
+the kind.  It's charming to see this fine old place lit up by the
+moonlight; I could study it for an hour on end.  A perfect setting for a
+ghost story, isn't it?' says he, smiling, and with that he crosses over
+to the window, and by the same token it was a regular ghost he looked
+himself, all tall, and straight, and shiny white.  Then it walked into
+my head what a jest it would be to send Esmeralda to meet him, and the
+two of them each thinking the other was a ghost, and frightened out of
+their seven senses.  So I excused myself, polite like, saying I would
+speak to my sister, and the rest of the tale you know for yourselves.  I
+taunted her with cowardice to make her rise to the occasion, but that
+wouldn't work, and time was passing, so I turned to bribery, but by good
+fortune I'll keep my racket yet.  At this very moment she will be
+feeling her way cautiously down that stair, and he'll be hearing the
+creak, and coming forward to see the cause.  All bluey white they'll be,
+and each one so scared by the sight of the other that they'll hardly
+dare to breathe.  Listen now while I open the door, and you may hear her
+squeal."
+
+"Patrick O'Shaughnessy, ye graceless boy, how dare you take such a
+liberty with your sister!  A strange man,--an Englishman,--and Esmeralda
+knowing nothing about him, and believing there is no one near!  Let me
+pass now!  Stand aside this moment!  Patrick O'Shaughnessy, will you let
+me pass, or will you not?"
+
+"I will not!" returned Pat sturdily.  "It's my joke, and I'm not going
+to have it spoiled.  You leave them to fight it out between themselves,
+and if they come out alive you'll hear the tale first hand.  `What do my
+eyes behold?' says he.  `What fairy form is this I see before me?'
+`Pity me!' says she.  `What's that white pillar over there by the
+window?  It's a dust sheet that Molly has been hanging over the
+curtains, and maybe the draught is making it move.  Oh, oh, oh, there's
+a head to it!  It's alive!  It comes towards me!  What will I do?  What
+will I do?'"
+
+Pat clasped his hands in affected terror, and shrieked in clever
+imitation of his sister's manner.  The door was still ajar, and as he
+stopped a sound from below rose faintly to the ears of his companions, a
+second shriek so alike in tone and expression that it might have been
+the echo of his own.  "Pixie," cried Bridgie wildly, "at him, Pixie!  At
+him!"  And like a flash of lightning Pixie lay prone on the floor with
+her arms wound tightly round Pat's legs.  He swayed and staggered,
+clutched at the wall, and felt Mademoiselle's arms nip him from behind,
+as the door flew open, and Bridgie sped like a lapwing along the
+gallery.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY.
+
+THE WHITE LADY.
+
+Esmeralda set out on her expedition in the highest spirits, for a girl
+who is brought up on a regime of outdoor sport is not troubled with
+nerves, and she laughed at the suggestion of ghosts with the scorn which
+it deserved.  What she did not laugh at, however, was the promise of
+Pat's racket, a gift to him from an absent godfather, and coveted by all
+his brothers and sisters, but by none so much as Esmeralda, who played a
+very pretty game of her own, and felt a conviction that she could
+distinguish herself still more if she possessed a good racket instead of
+the old one which had done duty for years, and was now badly sprung.
+
+Pat had promised in the presence of witnesses to hand over his treasure
+if she returned to the schoolroom without--oh, elegant
+expression!--"letting a howl out of her," and Esmeralda smiled to
+herself at the unlikeliness of such a proceeding.  Why, except for the
+cold air, it was really a treat to walk along the disused old gallery
+which traversed the left wing of the Castle, where the moonbeams shone
+in through the long row of windows with such picturesque effect.  She
+sauntered along, enjoying the scene with artistic appreciation, even
+feeling a sense of satisfaction in her own appropriate attire.  Powdered
+hair and hooped skirt seemed more in keeping with the surroundings than
+the bicycling dress of everyday life, and it was an agreeable variety to
+pose as one's own great-grandmother once in a way.
+
+Esmeralda reached the end of the gallery, and stretched a hand on either
+side, to feel her way down the circular stone staircase which would lead
+her into the entrance hall below.  This means of descent was rarely
+used, and was now in a semi-ruinous condition, the stone steps being so
+much worn with the action of time that it required some little care to
+descend safely in the darkness.  She stood poised on each step,
+extending a pretty foot to find a secure resting-place on the one below;
+round the curve where the darkness was almost complete, then coming into
+sight of the hall, with the moonlight making long streaks of light
+across the floor, and in the distance a yellow gleam from the solitary
+lamp.
+
+Only three more steps remained to be descended, when suddenly she
+stopped short, drawing her breath sharply, for there by the second
+window stood a man's tall form, all straight and still, and of a curious
+shining whiteness.  The face was turned aside, but at the sound of that
+gasping sob it turned slowly round, and a pair of keen, steel-like eyes
+stared into hers.
+
+Geoffrey Hilliard had been thoroughly enjoying this opportunity of
+studying the features of the fine old hall, and making a note of them
+for future use.  "What a magnificent old place!" he said to himself.
+"Trelawney says the man is at his last gasp, and will positively have to
+turn out before long.  Poor beggar!  I pity him.  It must be
+heartbreaking to leave an old place like this, where one's ancestors
+have lived for generations, where every stone has its history, and the
+spirits of the departed seem still hovering in the air.  Halloa, what's
+that?"
+
+He turned his head, and peering round the corner of that quaintest of
+stone staircases beheld a vision at sight of which he stood transfixed
+and astounded.  Spirits of ancestors, indeed!  Here was one before his
+very eyes, a picture out of its frame, a dream of grace and beauty such
+as is not vouchsafed to mortal eyes in this commonplace, matter-of-fact
+twentieth century!  The first glance was admiration alone, the second
+brought a thrill of something uncomfortably like fear, for to the most
+unsuperstitious of minds there was still something unpleasantly eerie in
+this unexpected apparition.  Motionless as a figure of stone stood the
+White Lady, her body craned forward, one hand resting against the wall,
+the other drawing aside the quilted skirt; the moonlight fell full on
+the face, and showed it stiff and rigid as a sculptor's block.
+
+For one moment Geoffrey felt incapable of movement, but the next
+commonsense returned, and a dozen matter-of-fact explanations darted
+into his head.  What he saw was no figure, but simply a statue, a
+reflection, a curious effect of light.  He must examine the phenomenon
+at close quarters, and find a solution with which to confound the
+superstitious in the future.  No sooner said than done, and he stepped
+forward, momentarily averting his eyes, to make his sight the more
+searching.  When he opened them again the figure still confronted him;
+but now the position seemed slightly altered, for instead of bending
+forward she had drawn back, as if to avoid his approach.
+
+A dread seized him lest the phenomenon might vanish altogether before he
+had had time to discover its character; he gave a sudden leap forward,
+and to his dismay beheld the figure stagger forward, and collapse in a
+heap on the lowest stair.  In an instant his arms were round her, and
+two warm living hands came together with a shock of surprise.  Masculine
+ghost lifted, and feminine ghost struggled and pinched in a manner
+unmistakably human.  But if Geoffrey Hilliard's matter-of-fact mind
+leapt to a quick understanding of the real situation, Esmeralda was much
+more sensational in her explanation.  He remembered that it was
+Christmas Eve, a time when some family festivity, of which fancy-dress
+was a feature, might well be in progress; she leapt to the dramatic
+conclusion that this was a thief masquerading in ghost's attire, the
+better to make his escape in the event of discovery.
+
+Cowardly ruffian!  He should not find it so easy as he expected!  If it
+was only a girl whom he had encountered, he should find that she was not
+so easily shaken off as he expected.  To Hilliard's intense amazement he
+felt the hands fasten suddenly round his arm, the white fingers grip his
+flesh with no uncertain grasp.  The premeditated apologies died upon his
+lips, as the White Lady became rosy red, and her lips parted to show
+teeth set in threatening anger.  He stepped back, or tried to do so, but
+she clung only the closer; he laughingly tried to move her hand from his
+arm, at which she shrieked aloud, and struggled valiantly.
+
+"No, no, you shall not go!  You shall stay here until my father comes!"
+
+"That is just what I want to do!  Pardon me, there is really no
+necessity to hold me so fast.  I am not going to run away!" returned the
+young fellow, laughing, but in a somewhat impatient fashion.  He had no
+ambition to be discovered in this melodramatic attitude, and once more
+made an effort to escape.  The grasp on her wrist was gentle, but withal
+wonderfully strong, and to Esmeralda's horror she found it impossible to
+struggle against it.  The thought that the thief was escaping after all
+was too humiliating to be borne, and as one hand after the other was
+forced back she grew desperate, and raised her voice in a shrill cry for
+help.
+
+"Help!  Help!  Murder!  Thieves!  He-l-p!"
+
+"My dear, good girl!" exclaimed the Murderer blankly, overcome with
+amazement, and allowing himself to be once more seized in a detaining
+grasp, while Esmeralda poured the vials of her wrath upon him.
+
+"How dare you call me names!  It's a horsewhip you'll be feeling on your
+back for this, once my father is here.  I'll hold you tight till he
+comes!"
+
+The stranger looked at her, tried to speak, choked hopelessly, and was
+just attempting a stammering, "You are really most--complimentary!" when
+the sound of flying footsteps came from above, and Bridgie rushed
+headlong down the staircase.  Poor Bridgie, what a sight was that which
+met her eye!  In the middle of the hall stood the figure of the tall
+Englishman, his face all sparkling with fun, his arms hanging slack by
+his sides, while Esmeralda clasped him in close embrace, reiterating
+shrilly--
+
+"I'll hold you tight!  I'll hold you tight!"
+
+"For pity's sake, Esmeralda, let go of him this minute!" she cried,
+rushing to the rescue, and laying soothing hands upon her sister's
+shoulder.  "There's nothing to be frightened at, dear; it's just that
+wicked Pat, who ought to be destroyed for his pains.  It's no ghost,
+darling.  See, now, he's laughing at you.  Ghosts don't laugh!  He's
+nothing but a man after all!"
+
+"He's a thief!  He was trying to get the things out of the cabinet.  I
+am holding him until father comes, so that he may give him in charge!"
+gasped Esmeralda wildly; and Hilliard looked from one sister to the
+other with eyes dancing with amusement.
+
+"I'm neither ghost nor thief, as Major O'Shaughnessy will testify when
+he arrives.  I'm really exceedingly sorry to have made such an
+unfortunate impression, but I came on the most innocent errand.  I am
+staying with Mr Trelawney, and your father was kind enough to offer to
+lend me a mount for to-morrow.  We thought of going for a long ride in
+the morning, so--"
+
+Esmeralda's hands fell to her sides.  The commonplace explanation did
+more than a hundred protestations, and a remembrance of the Major's
+rhapsodies over the handsome young Englishman whom he had met but a week
+before was still fresh in her mind.  She stepped back, but the light in
+her eyes gleamed more threateningly than before, as with tragic attitude
+she turned towards the staircase.  On the lowest step crouched Pixie,
+all eyes and gaping mouth; on the third Mademoiselle clasped her hands,
+and wagged her head from side to side, as if calling someone to witness
+that she at least was innocent of offence; from between the banisters
+peered a red, questioning face, audacious, yet vaguely alarmed.
+
+"Patrick O'Shaughnessy," said Esmeralda in an awful voice, "you shall
+pay for this evening's work!" and at that, audacity triumphed, and Pat
+retorted sharply--
+
+"But not with the racket, me dear, for ye did howl after all.  We heard
+you right up in the schoolroom.  You're not the hero you thought
+yourself, to mistake an innocent gentleman for a midnight assassin."
+
+"Pat, be quiet!" interrupted Bridgie sharply, then turned to the
+stranger with that winsome smile which was her greatest charm.  "You've
+been a schoolboy yourself, and know the ways of them.  My brother never
+rests out of mischief, and he dared my sister Joan to walk the round of
+the Castle in the dark.  She was dressed up as you see, and he had seen
+you down here in your white coat, and thought maybe you would each be
+startled by the sight of the other."
+
+"And at first she wouldn't go at all, and was only laughing at him for
+his pains, but Pat said Christmas Eve and Hallowe'en were all the same,
+and that if a girl went alone by herself in the moonlight she would see
+the spirit of her future h---" cried Pixie in one breathless sentence.
+In her opinion Bridgie's explanation had been singularly inadequate, and
+she was filled with indignation at the babel of sounds which drowned her
+conclusion.  Bridgie was seized with a paroxysm of coughing,
+Mademoiselle with admirable promptitude knocked an old metal cup from a
+bracket, and sent it clanging to the floor, and Pat cried shrilly--
+
+"See a spook!  She was dressed all in white, and you said yourself it
+was a good setting for a ghost story!  It was yourself that put it in my
+head!"
+
+"I believe you are right.  I certainly did make that remark," said the
+stranger obligingly.  For some reason or other his colour had decidedly
+heightened during the last few moments, and he looked at Esmeralda with
+a quick, embarrassed glance, as if afraid to meet her eyes.  She was
+flushed like himself, a beautiful young fury, with eyes ablaze, and lips
+set in a hard, straight line.  Propitiation was plainly hopeless at the
+moment, and he was not so foolish as to attempt the impossible.  This
+was evidently "Beauty O'Shaughnessy," of whom he had heard so much, and,
+to judge by his own experience, his friends' accounts of the
+eccentricities of the family were no whit exaggerated.  The dear little
+girl with the sweet eyes was plainly the eldest sister, since she took
+upon herself to perform the honours of the house, and he was thankful to
+follow her towards the fireplace, leaving the belligerents at the end of
+the hall.
+
+"I'm exceedingly sorry to have caused such an alarm!  Please make my
+peace with your sister.  I am afraid, if she was not prepared to see me,
+my actions must have seemed sadly suspicious," he began apologetically;
+but Bridgie stopped him with uplifted hand, and a queenliness of manner
+which sat charmingly upon her slight figure.
+
+"Indeed you were not to blame at all, and there is no need to give it
+another thought.  You have had bad weather for your visit, but I hope
+there is a change to-night.  The Major will be delighted that you took
+him at his word, and Dandy will carry you like a feather.  Here he is at
+last, to welcome you himself."
+
+The Major came forward as she spoke, calling out welcomes from afar, and
+holding out his hand in hospitable Irish greeting.  He was all smiles
+and superlatives, charmed that Mr Hilliard had called, overjoyed to
+give him a mount, delighted that he had already made the acquaintance of
+"me children," beamingly unconscious that there was trouble in the air,
+and persistent in summoning Esmeralda to his side.
+
+"What do you think of that for an impromptu costume?  All made out of a
+couple of sheets, me dear fellow, and at a moment's notice.  Quite a
+display we had this night, with the whole lot of them got up to match;
+but this child is the only one that kept it on.  Me daughter Joan!
+Esmeralda, for short.  Mr Geoffrey Hilliard!"
+
+Hilliard bowed deeply.  Esmeralda drooped her eyelids, and the Major
+chuckled afresh at "the spirit of the girl!"
+
+"A shame to waste such sweetness on the desert air, isn't it, Hilliard?
+That's what she says herself, and there's nothing for it but to give my
+consent to a party on New Year's Eve.  A man's not master of himself
+when he has three daughters, but you must give us the pleasure of
+welcoming you with the rest of our guests.  The Trelawneys will be here
+to a man, and you must come over with them.  Esmeralda says she is
+fatigued with meeting the same people over and over again, so she'll be
+delighted to see you.  Won't you now, Esmeralda?  Give your own
+invitation to Mr Hilliard."
+
+"Indeed, father, we have scarcely got the length of invitations.  It was
+just an idea we were thinking over, and at the best it will be a poor
+country affair.  If Mr Hilliard is accustomed to London, 'twould be but
+a bore to him to join us."
+
+It was evident that Esmeralda was by no means anxious to count the
+stranger among her guests.  Having shown herself to him in a ridiculous
+and unbecoming light, she had no wish to pursue the acquaintance, and
+the glance which accompanied the words was even more eloquent than
+themselves.
+
+"Don't dare to come here again!" said the haughty eyes.  "Don't imagine
+you will get the laugh over me," said the haughty head, and Geoffrey
+Hilliard read the signals, and smiled unperturbed--a happy, self-
+confident smile.
+
+"I assure Miss O'Shaughnessy that I should be honoured by an
+invitation," he said blandly, "if I may accept in advance.  Nothing will
+give me greater pleasure than to join your gathering."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.
+
+BRIDGIE'S CONFESSION.
+
+After Mr Hilliard's departure, Mademoiselle was treated to an
+exhibition of what was known in the family as "Esmeralda's tantrums."
+Hardly had her father turned from the door than she had rushed towards
+him, and begun pouring out the story of her wrongs.  Eyes flashed, head
+tossed, arms waving about in emphatic declamation, little foot tapped
+the floor all a-quiver with excitement, while Pixie stood in the
+background faithfully imitating each gesture, and Pat gazed at the
+ceiling with an expression of heart-broken innocence.  Esmeralda called
+upon all present to witness that she was despised and ridiculed by the
+members of her own family; that by this evening's work she had been made
+the laughing-stock of the county; and announced her intention of leaving
+home by the first train that steamed out of the station.  She would earn
+her own living, and if necessary, wander barefoot through the world,
+rather than submit any longer to insults from her own kith and kin, and
+when she died a beggar's death, and lay stretched in a pauper's grave,
+they might remember her words, and forgive themselves if they could!
+
+The invective was originally directed against Pat alone, but as she
+warmed to her work it grew ever more comprehensive, until at last it
+seemed as though the whole household were in conspiracy against her.
+Then suddenly the climax was touched and passed; the last stage of all
+was announced by a tempest of tears, and the Major tugged miserably at
+his moustache, nerving himself to the task most difficult in the world
+to his easy-going nature,--that of finding fault!
+
+"Pat, ye rascal, what's this I hear about you?  Mark my words, now.
+I'll not have your sisters made the subject for practical jokes!  If you
+can't keep yourself out of mischief, I'll find a way to occupy you with
+something you'd like worse.  Can I have no peace in me own home for the
+complaints of you and your doings?  If ye can't carry yourself as a
+gentleman, I'll apprentice ye to a trade, and wash me hands of you once
+for all.  Mind what I'm telling ye, for there's truth in it!  Will I be
+giving him a punishment now, Esmeralda?  Is it your wish I should punish
+him?"
+
+"It is so!  And the harder the better!" sobbed Esmeralda; and the Major
+heaved a sigh of ponderous dimensions.
+
+"Ye hear that, Patrick?  Listen to that, now, and see your sister in
+tears, and think shame to yourself on a good Christmas Eve.  And now
+I've the trouble of punishing you into the bargain.  What will I do with
+him, Esmeralda?  Will I send him off to his bed before Jack comes home?"
+
+And then a pretty thing happened, for among the chorus of groans which
+greeted this suggestion, Esmeralda's "No, no!" sounded shrillest of all,
+and off she rushed to Pat's side in a whirlwind of repentance.
+
+"No, no!  Not that!  He would be so disappointed.  He must see Jack.  I
+won't have him punished after all, father.  It's Christmas-time, and
+he's sorry already.  Tell the Major you are sorry, Pat, and I'll shake
+hands and say no more."
+
+"I'm sorry, sir, there's been such a stupid row," said Pat truthfully
+enough; but when his father turned away with a sigh of relief, he put
+his arm round his sister and gave her a bear-like hug.
+
+"What did you howl about, silly?" he asked affectionately.  "When you've
+had time to cool down you will think it the finest joke of the year.
+And you so well plucked, too, holding on like grim death, for all his
+struggles.  You ought to be proud instead of sorry.  Look here, now, you
+shall have the racket after all!  I won't have you the loser for your
+dealings with me.  I'll give it to you at once, if you'll be troubled to
+come to my room!"
+
+Then Esmeralda cried, "Oh, Pat, me darlin'!" and Pat hung on to her
+arms, crying, "Hold me tight!  Hold me tight!" at which she blushed and
+tugged his curly locks, and off they went together, laughing,
+squabbling, protesting; sworn enemies, dearest of friends!
+
+Jack arrived in due course, and a happier Christmas party than that
+assembled round the breakfast-table at Knock Castle next morning it
+would have been hard to find.  Each one had provided presents for the
+others, and if they were of infinitesimal value, they were apparently
+none the less valued by the recipients.  Mademoiselle thought she had
+never seen anything more charming, than the manner in which Pixie
+presented, and the Major received, a solitary bone stud for his collar,
+amidst the acclamations of an admiring family.
+
+"A happy Christmas to ye, father darlin', and many happy returns!" said
+Pixie in deep sweet accents, as she pressed the tiny packet into his
+hand, and blinked at it with an air of elaborate indifference.  "It's
+just a little present I was buying you, thinking maybe you would like to
+wear something I'd chosen meself."
+
+"And now what can this be next?" soliloquised the Major, untwisting the
+paper with tenderest fingers and an air of absorption seldom seen on his
+merry features.  When wrapping number two was undone, and the stud was
+disclosed in all its glory, he appeared almost dizzy with rapture,
+holding it out on an outstretched palm, and gazing at it with
+incredulous joy.  "Did ever anything fall out so lucky as that?  The
+very thing I was breaking my heart over not an hour ago.  Somebody eats
+my studs--I'm sure they do--and what are left Esmeralda steals for her
+cuffs.  But I'll be even with anybody who dares to take this one from my
+drawer.  Thank you, my piccaninny.  It's a broth of a stud, and you
+could not have given me anything I liked better."
+
+"I hope it may never break on you when you are in a hurry," said Pixie
+politely, and with sundry memories of past occasions when the Major had
+dressed for a function, while the sounds of his groans and lamentations
+had been heard without the portals of his dressing-room.
+
+Esmeralda presented Bridgie with a card of hat-pins; Bridgie had knitted
+woollen gloves for the boys, and the most exciting presentations were
+those which Mademoiselle had thoughtfully brought with her--dainty lace
+ties for the sisters, which were received with a rapture almost too
+great for words, and the grey Suede gloves which were Jack's happy
+inspiration.  Dark and threatening as the day appeared, on went gloves
+and tie, when it was time to start for church, and Esmeralda at least
+was proudly conscious of her stylish appearance, when half-way along the
+muddy lane the Trelawneys' carriage bowled past, and the laughing eyes
+of the stranger met hers once more.  The mud flew from the carriage-
+wheels, and she held up her skirts with a great display of grey-gloved
+hands, and backed up against the hedge, frowning and petulant--my Lady
+Disdain in every gesture and expression.
+
+Mademoiselle had never before attended a Christmas service in an English
+church, and though it was impossible to resist some pangs of
+homesickness, she was still interested and impressed.  The little
+building was tastefully decorated, and the beautiful hymns were sung
+with delightful heartiness and feeling.  The O'Shaughnessys themselves
+would have constituted a creditable choir, for Pat's still unbroken
+voice was a joy to hear as he joined in the air with Bridgie and Pixie,
+the Major rolled out a sonorous bass, Jack sang tenor, while Esmeralda's
+alto was rich and full as an organ stop.  They sang with heart as well
+as voice, as indeed who can help singing those wonderful words?  First,
+the heralds' call to Christendom to greet the great festival of the
+year, the birthday of its Lord: "Christians, awake!  Salute the happy
+morn."--It must be a cold heart indeed which does not thrill a response
+to that summons; then the description of the angelic joy at His coming,
+"Hark, the herald angels sing"; and last, and perhaps most beautiful of
+all, the summons to the saints on earth to join in that praise, "Oh,
+come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
+
+The service passed in a glow of exaltation, and the softening influence
+continued throughout the long walk home, when the younger members of the
+family walked on ahead, and the two older girls followed sedately in the
+rear.  Bridgie's eyes glowed as she looked after her "children", Pat and
+Miles, tall and graceful even in this their hobbledehoy stage, Esmeralda
+queening it in their midst, and Pixie dancing blissfully through every
+puddle that came in her way.
+
+"Doesn't it make you rejoice to see them all so well and happy?" she
+cried fervently.  "Last Christmas we were so sad that it seemed as if
+the sun would never shine again; but mother said she wanted us to be
+happy, and it would do her heart good to see them to-day.  I was
+thinking about her in church, and asked myself if I had done all I could
+to keep my charge.  She left them in my care, you know, for I had to
+take her place, and on days like this I feel as if I had to answer to
+her for all that is wrong.  Pixie is happy at school, and it's lovely to
+know you, and feel that you will be good to the darling; Jack is getting
+on with his work, and the boys and Esmeralda quarrel less than they used
+to do.  She's the one I am most anxious about, for she is not satisfied
+with this quiet life, and her head will be turned with flattery before
+many years are over.  Did you notice that young Englishman last night,
+and the way he fixed his eyes upon her?  If he comes over here flirting
+with her, what will I do, Therese?  He is here for a week or two only,
+and after he has gone she will feel duller than ever, poor creature.  I
+wonder what I had better do?"
+
+"Mees Esmeralda seems to me exceedingly able to take care of herself,"
+remarked Mademoiselle quietly.  "I don't think you need distress
+yourself about her in this instance.  Monsieur 'Illiard has had the
+misfortune to make a bad impression, by placing her in an uncomfortable
+position, and have you not observed the air with which she has bowed to
+him to-day as he passed?  It was not, to say the least of it,
+encouraging."
+
+Bridgie laughed,--a little, tender, indulgent laugh.
+
+"But it was very pretty all the same, and sort of encouraging
+discouraging, don't you think?  If I were in his place I don't think I
+should be exactly depressed.  It was like a challenge thrown down before
+him, and from his look I believe he means to accept it too!  Ah dear,
+it's a great responsibility to have a beauty for a sister!  I am in
+terror every time a young man comes to the house, in case he should fall
+in love with her."
+
+"There is more than one girl in the house, however, and I know vich of
+the two would be my choice, if I were, as you say, a young man myself,"
+returned Mademoiselle sturdily.  Bridgie's utter unconsciousness of her
+own claims to attention filled her at once with admiration and
+impatience, and she could not resist putting her feelings into words.
+"Does it never give you any fear in case one should fall in love with
+you instead?"
+
+"No, never; how could they when she was near?" cried Bridgie fervently,
+and then suddenly flushed all over her delicate face and began a
+stammering explanation.  "At least, that's not quite true.  There was
+one man--I never told anyone about it before, and indeed there's not
+much to tell.  Joan and I went to stay ten days with some friends at the
+other side of the county, nearly a year ago last autumn, and he was
+staying there too.  He was not like other men I had met, or I thought he
+was different.  He was graver than most young men, though he liked fun
+all the same, and when we talked it seemed as if we shared the same
+thoughts.  It was not long after mother's death, and I was feeling very
+lonely, but I didn't feel lonely when I was with him.  On the third day
+we went a picnic, and I drove in a wagonette with the ladies, and he
+walked with the men.  Just as we overtook them the horses took fright,
+and began to gallop down a hill.  We thought for a few minutes that we
+should certainly be thrown out at the bottom, but the driver managed to
+pull up in time, and we were none the worse except for the fright.  The
+men came racing along to see what had happened, and his face was as
+white as death.  When he came up he looked straight at me, and at no one
+else, though his sister was there and several old friends, and he said,
+`_Thank God_!'  Only that, but his voice shook as he said it, and he
+turned away, as if he could not bear any more.  And I felt so strange
+and glad, so happy and proud; all that day I felt as if I were walking
+on air, but when I went to bed at night I could not sleep, for I
+realised suddenly what it meant.  He was growing fond of me, and I of
+him; if we were together another week, perhaps he would ask me to marry
+him and go away to the other end of the world, for he was a soldier--did
+I tell you that?  And I had promised mother to look after the children
+until they were old enough to manage for themselves.  I couldn't break
+my word, and yet if I stayed on and was nice to him, he might think it
+was wrong of me to say No.  And I was afraid I couldn't help being
+nice."
+
+The sweet voice broke off suddenly, and Mademoiselle looked into the
+grey eyes, and thought that the young soldier was to be congratulated
+both on his own good taste, and on the feelings which he had been
+fortunate enough to awaken in this best and sweetest of girls.
+
+"_Eh bien_, and what have you done then?" she inquired eagerly.  "It was
+a difficult position.  What have you done?"
+
+"Oh, I did nothing.  I came away!" said Bridgie, as simply as if that
+were not just the most difficult thing she could have done under the
+circumstances.  "The next morning he went out shooting, and the post
+came in at ten o'clock with a letter from father saying that Pat had
+fallen from the barn and twisted his ankle.  It was very few weeks he
+did not fall from the barn, as a matter of fact, but it was an excuse,
+so I said I must go home and nurse him, and they drove me to the station
+that very afternoon before the men came home."
+
+Mademoiselle drew in her breath, in a gasp of amazement.  She looked at
+Bridgie, and her eyes flashed with eloquent comment.  It was so
+wonderful to think of the courage with which this young thing, with the
+bright, pleasure-loving nature which had come to her as an inheritance,
+had yet had the courage to deliberately put from her the greatest
+happiness which she could have known, in order to devote herself to the
+care of others.  The simple, unpretentious manner in which the tale was
+told, made so light of the incident that it might have involved little
+or no suffering; but Mademoiselle knew better, and her voice trembled
+with sympathy as she put the low-toned question--
+
+"And afterwards--did it hurt--did it hurt very much, _cherie_?"
+
+"I think it did.  I cried a great deal for several nights when I thought
+of the good times they were all having together; but I knew it would
+have been worse later on, and I comforted myself with that.  Besides,
+what is the use of giving up a thing at all if one can't do it
+cheerfully?  It would have been better for me to have married and left
+home, than to stay, and make them all miserable by moping and looking
+sad.  And they are all such darlings, and so loving and kind.  I don't
+think any other girl ever had such a family as mine!"
+
+"The Major ignores you; the boys worry you to death; my lady Joan orders
+you about as if she were a queen, and you her servant; only the little
+Pixie worships you as you deserve to be worshipped," reflected
+Mademoiselle mentally; but she kept her reflections to herself, and
+asked another question, the answer to which she was longing to hear with
+truly feminine curiosity.  "And was that all,--the end of everything?
+What happened next?  Have you not heard or seen him since that time?"
+
+The red flew over Bridgie's face, and she smiled--a soft, contented
+smile.
+
+"I have never seen him--no!  Only a month after that he was ordered to
+India, and sailed almost at once, but he wrote to me before he left.  A
+letter arrived one day in a strange handwriting, but I guessed almost at
+once that it was from him.  He said he had intended to come to Ireland
+in the spring, and to call at Knock Castle, but that now it would be
+impossible for some years to come.  He said he had enjoyed so much
+meeting me for those few days, and he hoped I should not altogether
+forget him while he was away.  Would I allow him to write to me now and
+again, and would I send a photograph for a poor exile to take away to
+comfort his loneliness?  I had a very nice photograph that a friend of
+father had taken the summer before, and I thought there was no harm in
+sending him that, and writing a polite little note.  It was very short,
+and I tried not to make it too nice, and I said nothing at all about
+writing, only just remarked that it would be interesting to receive
+letters from India," said Bridgie, with a naivete which made
+Mademoiselle throw up her hands in delight.  "He has written to me four
+times since then, and,"--her eyes began to dance, and a dimple danced
+mischievously in her cheek--"I enjoy writing to him so much that I
+answer them the very next day; but it would not be proper to send them
+so soon, you know, so I put no date, but just lock them away in my desk,
+and wait for six weeks, or two months before I send them off.  Once I
+waited for three, and then he sent a newspaper.  There was nothing in it
+that could interest me in the least, but it was just a gentle hurry up.
+I did laugh over that newspaper!"
+
+"Bridgie, Bridgie! this is more serious than I thought.  No wonder you
+look upon new-comers with indifference.  I hope they are very
+interesting, those letters.  They must be, I suppose, since you are so
+eager to reply."  But at this Bridgie shook her head, and shrugged her
+shoulders deprecatingly.
+
+"You are a teacher; perhaps you would call them interesting.  For me
+they are just a trifle instructive!  I want to hear about himself, and
+he describes the country, and the expeditions they make.  Don't please
+think they are love-letters, Therese.  They are very, very proper, not
+in the least affectionate, and my replies are terribly dull.  You see
+I'm in an awkward position, for everything that would be interesting it
+would not be proper to say, and everything I can say must be
+uninteresting, for he knows almost nothing of us or of our people."
+
+"And yet you are compelled to answer these `instructive epistles' the
+moment they arrive, and he cannot wait patiently to receive your so dull
+replies.  That has only one meaning, my dear, and it will come when he
+returns home in a few years, and your children are grown up and able to
+be left.  It will come.  I am sure it will come!"
+
+"If it is the right thing for me--if it is God's will--yes! it will
+come, and meanwhile I am very happy.  It is good of Him to have given me
+such a hope in my life," said Bridgie simply; and Mademoiselle's eyes
+dimmed with sudden tears.  Her own nervous, restless spirit was for ever
+kicking against the pricks, but she was at least honest enough to
+acknowledge her shortcomings, and the example of this young girl filled
+her with shame and a humble desire to follow in her footsteps.
+
+"And I am thankful that He has let me know you.  You do me good,
+_cherie_.  I wish to be more like you," she said humbly; and Bridgie
+opened her great eyes in bewilderment.
+
+"Like me!" she echoed incredulously.  "My dear!"  The dimple dipped
+again, and she slipped her hand through Mademoiselle's arm and shook her
+in playful remonstrance.  "Don't you make fun of your hostess, or she'll
+starve you for your pains.  The very idea of clever, accomplished You
+wanting to be like blundering Irish Me!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.
+
+"TO SEE THE RUINS!"
+
+"This begins to grow exciting.  The plot develops!" said Mademoiselle
+gaily to herself, when the fifth day of the last week in the year was
+reached, and Mr Geoffrey Hilliard made his fifth appearance on the
+scene in transparently accidental-on-purpose manner.  On the first day
+he had been discovered assiduously pumping up the tyres of a bicycle
+immediately outside the Castle gates; on the second, he was lounging
+about the village street with an air of boredom which showed that he had
+exhausted all the objects of interest long before the O'Shaughnessy
+party passed by on their morning walk; on the third, he paid a formal
+call in the afternoon and stayed a good two hours by the clock, for
+which breach of etiquette he was so much concerned that he was compelled
+to come again the next day to apologise, and hope the ladies were not
+fatigued.  Bridgie smiled polite reassurements, but Esmeralda lay back
+in her seat and naughtily yawned, as though in protest against her
+sister's words.  She affected to conceal her weariness, but it was a
+transparent pretence, and the young fellow's eyes twinkled with
+amusement.  Since the moment of their first meeting there had been this
+pretence of antagonism, this playing at fighting on the girl's part;
+but, as Bridgie had foretold, the man seemed to find it rather an
+encouragement than otherwise, and his smile was never more bright and
+self-confident than after an exhibition like the present.
+
+"Miss Joan seems to have suffered," he said boldly.  "I feel truly
+guilty; but won't you allow me to remedy the mischief?  If I might make
+a suggestion, it's a perfect winter afternoon, and you promised to show
+me the remains of that old ruin in your grounds.  Don't you think that
+half an hour's walk before tea would freshen you up?"
+
+"I detest ruins; they are so dull," said Esmeralda ungraciously; but Mr
+Hilliard still continued to smile and to look at her in expectant
+fashion, and presently, almost against her will, as it seemed, she rose
+from her chair and moved across the room.  "Of course, if you really
+want to see them!  It will only take a few minutes.  Come then, Pixie!
+You were asking me to come out.  It will do you good to come too."
+
+Bridgie and Mademoiselle exchanged a quick glance of amusement at the
+look of disgust which passed over the visitor's face, and which all his
+politeness was not able to conceal; but Pixie pranced after her sister
+with willing step, for it had never entered into her heart to believe it
+possible that there could exist a living creature unto whom her society
+could be otherwise than rapturously welcome.  In the cloak-room off the
+hall she put on two odd shoes, the two which came first to hand, and a
+piebald sealskin jacket, which, according to tradition, had descended
+from a great-aunt, and which was known in the household as "The jacket,"
+and worn indiscriminately by whosoever might happen to need a warm wrap.
+
+The effect of this costume, finished off by an old bowler hat, was so
+weird and grotesque that at the first moment of beholding it Hilliard
+thought it must surely be a joke designed for his benefit; but the air
+of unconsciousness worn by both girls saved him from making a false
+move, and he speedily forgot all about Pixie in admiration of her
+sister.  Whatever Esmeralda wore, it seemed as if this were the dress of
+all others to show off her beauty to the best advantage; and the grey
+golf-cape and knitted cap, set carelessly over her smoke-like locks,
+appeared at once the ideal garments for a winter promenade.  Pixie
+slipped her arm underneath the cloak to hang on to her sister's arm, and
+the three set off together across the snow-bound park.
+
+"I suppose you know a great deal about ruins, since you are so much
+interested in ours," said Esmeralda, as an opening to the conversation.
+"People are always interested in things they understand.  That's the
+only reason why I should like to be clever and learned--it would make
+life so much more satisfying.  It doesn't amuse me in the least to see
+old walls, and bits of pillars sticking out of the earth.  I'd pull them
+all down and build something new in their place if I had the chance, but
+people who understand are quite different.  Some people came here once
+on a picnic from Dublin, and father gave them permission to see over the
+grounds.  Of course it rained, but they all stood round on the damp,
+soaking grass while an old gentleman gave a lecture about that miserable
+little ruin.  He said something about the shape of the windows, and they
+all took notes and sketches and snapshots, as if they had never seen
+anything so wonderful in their lives.  There is a bit of a pillar two
+yards high.  He prosed away about that until I had to yawn, but they
+seemed to like it.  Some of them were quite young too.  There was a girl
+rather like Bridgie, with such a pretty hat!"  Esmeralda heaved a sigh
+of melancholy recollection.  "She stood there and let the rain soak
+through the ribbons while she sketched the stupid old things.  I envied
+her so!  I thought, `Why can't I be interested in ruins too, and then I
+should have something to think about, and to amuse myself with when the
+time feels so long?'"
+
+"Does the time seem long to you, then?  Do you find it dull over here?"
+asked Hilliard, in a tone that was almost tender in its anxious
+solicitude; and Esmeralda heaved a sigh of funereal proportions,
+delighted to find herself supplied with a listener ready to sympathise
+with her woes.  A home audience is proverbially stoical, and after the
+jeers and smiles of brothers and sisters, it was a refreshing change to
+wake a note of distress at the very beginning of a conversation.  She
+became suddenly conscious of a feeling of acute enjoyment, but
+endeavoured to look pensive, as befitted the occasion, and rolled her
+grey eyes upward with eloquent sadness.
+
+"Oh, dull!  Dull does not express my feelings!  We are so shut in here,
+and so little happens, and I know nothing.  I have had no chance of
+learning and finding interests in that way."
+
+"Why didn't ye study, then, when ye had the chance?  Ye drove Miss
+Minnitt crazy with your idleness!" interposed Pixie brutally; and
+Esmeralda flushed and hesitated, momentarily discomfited, then,
+recovering herself, cast a melancholy glance in Hilliard's face.
+
+"Our old governess," she explained resignedly, in the tone of one who
+might speak volumes, but is restrained from feelings of loyalty and
+decorum.  "A kind old creature, so good to us!  She has lived in this
+village all her life."
+
+"I understand," said the model listener.  It seemed to him quite natural
+that this beautiful creature possessed an intellect to match her person,
+and felt her eagle wings pinioned in the atmosphere of an Irish village.
+He wished he were only more intellectual himself, so that he might be a
+fitter companion, and devoutly hoped that he might make no bad slip to
+betray his ignorance, and so alienate her sweet confidence.  "As you
+say, the more one knows, the less possible it should be to be dull or
+idle.  Amusement can never make up for good solid occupation."
+
+"Oh, never, never!" cried Miss Esmeralda, with a fervour which brought
+Pixie's eyes upon her in a flash of righteous indignation.  Esmeralda to
+talk like this!  Esmeralda, who sat at ease while others worked, who
+groaned aloud if asked to sew on a button, and was at once so dilatory
+and so inefficient that Bridgie declared it was easier to do a task at
+once than to unravel it after her vain attempts.  Pixie gasped and
+pranced on ahead, her back towards the direction in which she was going,
+her face turned upon the culprit in kindling reproach.
+
+"Joan O'Shaughnessy, what's happened to you to talk in such a fashion
+this day?  You, that doesn't know the meaning of work, to be sighing and
+groaning that you haven't enough to do!  You, to be saying that it would
+cheer you to be busy, when ye sigh like a furnace and grumble the day
+long if you have to work for an hour on end!  I've heard ye say with my
+own ears that if you had your own way, you would never do another hand's
+turn, and of all the lazy, idle girls--"
+
+"Wouldn't it perhaps be wise if you looked which way you were going?
+The ground is rough, and I'm afraid you will have a fall," interposed
+Hilliard mildly; not that he was in truth the least bit anxious about
+this strange child's safety, or could not have witnessed her downfall
+with equanimity, but in pity for Esmeralda's embarrassment she could not
+be allowed to continue her tirade indefinitely.  He was rewarded by a
+melting glance, as the beauty sighed once more, and said, in a tone of
+sweet forbearance--
+
+"She does not understand!  She has been away, and that's not the sort of
+work I meant; and besides--"
+
+She stopped short, for she could not think how to finish the sentence,
+and the fear of Pixie was ever before her eyes.  It was in a different
+and much more natural voice that she again took up her explanation.
+"Perhaps I was mistaken in saying it was work I wanted, but it is
+certainly interest.  I have never been farther away than Dublin, and I
+get so tired and weary of it all, and have such a longing for something
+fresh.  The others don't feel it, for they are so fond of the place; but
+I'm restless.  I feel pent in, knowing the world is moving on and on,
+all the time, and I am shut up here, and sometimes the longing comes
+over me so strongly that it's more than I can bear, and I fall into--"
+
+"A rage!" said Pixie calmly.  Esmeralda had paused just long enough to
+draw that short eloquent breath which adds so largely to the eloquence
+of a peroration, and was preparing to roll out a tragic "despair," when
+that tiresome child must needs interfere and spoil everything by her
+suggestion.  Esmeralda's anger was quickly roused, but fortunately even
+quicker still was her sense of humour.  For a moment clouds and sunshine
+struggled together upon her face, then the sunshine prevailed, she
+looked at Hilliard, beheld him biting his lips in a vain effort to
+preserve composure, and went off into peal after peal of rich, melodious
+laughter.
+
+"Next time I wish to talk at my ease, it's not bringing you out with me
+I'll be, Pixie O'Shaughnessy!" she cried between her gasps; and
+Hilliard's merry "Ho! ho! ho!" rang out in echo.
+
+"She is indeed a most painfully honest accompanist.  I am thankful that
+I have no small brothers to give me away in return.  You give your
+sister a very bad character, Miss Pixie; but you seem very little in awe
+of her, I notice.  She must possess some redeeming qualities to make up
+for the bad ones you have quoted."
+
+Pixie bent her head in benignant assent, as one bound by honesty to see
+both sides of a question and to deal out praise with blame.
+
+"She's idle," she said judicially, "and she's hasty, but she's sorry
+afterwards.  The more awful her temper, the quicker she's sorry.  The
+night after you left--"
+
+"Thank you, Pixie, you can spare us further domestic revelations!" cried
+Esmeralda, flushing in lovely confusion, and keeping her face turned
+away from the merry blue eyes so persistently bent upon her.  "There's
+one comfort, Mr Hilliard.  You know the worst of me now, and there is
+nothing more to dread.  Pixie has spoiled my chance of posing as a
+blighted genius, and shown me as just a bad-tempered, discontented girl
+who has not the sense to be satisfied with her position.  I'm sorry, for
+it would have been interesting to hear you talk like the clever,
+intellectual people in books, and perhaps, if I had kept very quiet and
+agreed with all you said, you wouldn't have discovered my ignorance for
+quite a long time to come."
+
+"But, dear me, you would have discovered mine!  I couldn't have kept it
+up for an hour.  You surely don't expect me to lecture on improving
+topics!" cried Hilliard, in such transparent amaze that Esmeralda could
+not but be convinced of his sincerity.
+
+"Then you are not clever either!" she exclaimed.  "What a relief!  Now
+we can just talk comfortably, and not pretend any more.  But at any rate
+you have seen more than we have.  Have you travelled much?  What have
+you seen?  What countries have you been in?"
+
+"I can hardly say straight off.  Let me count.  France, Belgium,
+Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Greece, Turkey--"
+
+The "Ohs!" and "Ahs!" of astonishment had been steadily gaining in
+volume, but at the sound of this last name they reached a perfect shriek
+of delight.  There was something so very strange and mysterious about
+Turkey that even to see a man who had visited its borders gave one a
+thrill of excitement.  Pixie's premeditated boast that she had been in
+Surbiton died upon her lips, and Esmeralda's eyes grew soft with wonder.
+
+"Turkey!  Oh, you are a traveller!  What on earth made you go to
+Turkey?"
+
+"It was part of a tour on which my uncle took me after leaving the
+University, and I went even farther afield than that,--to Palestine and
+Egypt.  You would like Egypt even better than Turkey, Miss Joan, for
+there, thanks to our rule, you have picturesqueness without squalor,
+whereas Turkey does not stand a close inspection.  We were thankful to
+leave Constantinople after a very few days, but were sad indeed to turn
+our backs on fascinating Cairo.  If I had the seven-leagued boots, I
+should be a frequent visitor over there."
+
+The two sisters linked arms, and gazed at him with awe-stricken eyes.
+
+"And you have seen veiled women," sighed Esmeralda softly, "and Mont
+Blanc, and the Pyramids, and the desert, and the Red Sea, and Saint
+Peter's at Rome, and all the things I have dreamt about ever since I was
+a child!  Oh, you are lucky!  I think I should die with joy if anyone
+offered to take me a trip like that.  Did you have any adventures?  What
+did you like best?  Begin at the beginning, and tell us all about it!"
+
+Well, as our American cousins would say, this was rather a large order;
+but Hilliard could refuse nothing to such an audience, and, if the truth
+must be told, had his full share of the traveller's love of relating his
+experiences.  He passed lightly over days spent in countries near home,
+but grew even more and more animated as he went farther afield, and
+reached the Eastern surroundings in which he delighted.
+
+"Shall I tell you about Palestine?  I never knew anything stranger than
+arriving at that railway station and seeing `Jerusalem' written up on
+the hoardings.  It seemed extraordinary to have a station there at all,
+and such a station!  It was in autumn, and everything was white with
+dust.  Outside in the road were a number of the most extraordinary-
+looking vehicles you can possibly imagine, white as if they had been
+kept in a flour mill, and as decrepit as if a hundred years had passed
+since they were last used.  How they kept together at all was a marvel
+to me, and as for the harness, there was more string than leather to be
+seen.  The drive from the station to the hotel was one of the most
+exciting things I ever experienced.  I am not nervous, and have had as
+much driving as most fellows, but that was a bit too much even for me.
+The road is very hilly, turns sharply at many corners, and is, of
+course, badly made to the last degree, so that it would have seemed
+difficult enough to manage suck crazy vehicles even at a foot-pace; but
+our fellow drove as if the Furies were at his back, as if it were a
+question of life and death to get to the hotel before any of his
+companions.  He stood up on the box and shouted to his horses; he lashed
+at them with his whip; he yelled imprecations to the rivals who were
+galloping in pursuit.  When an especially dangerous corner came in view,
+two drivers made for it in a reckless stampede, which made it seem
+certain that one or other must be hurled to the bottom of the hill.  A
+lady inside our carriage burst into a flood of tears, and I believe her
+companions were all clinging to one another in terror.  As for me, I was
+on the box, and I never passed a more exciting ten minutes.  We were
+told afterwards that we had had the best driver in Jerusalem, but I
+never engaged his services again.
+
+"That same night in the hotel I was introduced to a dragoman, whom we
+engaged to take us about.  I am sure you will like to hear about Salim,
+for, apart from himself, he had a great claim to attention, for he had
+been Gordon's dragoman years ago when he was in Egypt.  Yes!  I knew
+that would interest you, and you would have loved Salim for his own sake
+too.  He had a gentle, sad face, with the beautiful dark eyes of the
+Eastern, and he spoke English remarkably well.  He was unmarried, and
+lived with his mother and a married brother.  Sixteen years he and his
+sister-in-law had lived in the same house, but he had never seen her
+face.  He had been unlucky in money matters, but accepted his poverty
+with the placid acquiescence of the Oriental.  I remember one day when
+he told me of a piece of good fortune which had befallen a fellow-
+dragoman, and I said that I hoped he might be similarly fortunate.  He
+bowed his head with quiet dignity, and waved a brown hand in the air.
+`That is with God, sahib--that is with God!'  I used to question him
+about Gordon, and he loved to talk of him.  `He was a good man, sahib,
+better than any bishop.  When we were camping in the desert he was up
+every morning before it was light, kneeling to pray before his tent, and
+his heart was so great that he could not bear to see anyone in trouble.
+I must always keep with me a bag with small moneys, and he would not
+wait to be asked.  Everyone who needed must be helped.  When he went
+away he gave me his two best horses, but my heart was sore.  He was a
+great chief--a great chief; but I heard afterwards that when he came to
+die he was quite poor--the same as Christ!'"
+
+Hilliard told a story well, and now, as he repeated the words, his voice
+softened into the deep cadence of the Eastern tones, in which they had
+first been said; his hand waved and his eye kindled with emotion.
+
+Esmeralda looked at him, and her heart gave a throb of admiration.  The
+manner in which he had spoken was unmistakably reverent, and if young
+men only knew it, there is nothing which a girl loves more than a
+mingling of manliness and reverence in the man who singles her out for
+attention.
+
+"He is a good man; I like him," was the mental comment.  Aloud she said
+dreamily, "Gordon is my hero.  I love to hear about him.  He was too
+generous to others to heap up money for himself.  I suppose he didn't
+care about it.  I wish I didn't, but I do.  It's so very distressing to
+be always short of money.  All the good people in books are poor, but
+for myself I think it's bad for the temper.  They talk about the peril
+of riches, but I should like to try it for myself, wouldn't you, Mr
+Hilliard?"
+
+Hilliard smiled--a quiet, amused smile.
+
+"Well, I don't know.  Everything is comparative.  If some people would
+think us poor, others would most certainly consider us very rich indeed.
+We have all that we need, and for myself I'm quite content.  I manage
+to have a very good time."
+
+"And you get away for holidays like this.  That must make it easier.
+Have you to work very hard?  What is your work?  In what way do you make
+your living?"
+
+Once more Hilliard smiled in amusement, and in truth there was a
+directness about Esmeralda's questionings which was as unusual as it was
+unconscious.  He put up his hand and stroked one end of his curly
+moustache.
+
+"Glue!"
+
+"Glue!" echoed Esmeralda shrilly.
+
+"Glue!" shrieked Pixie in even shriller echo.
+
+The two pairs of eyes were fixed upon him in horrified incredulity.  The
+pity, the commiseration of their expressions was touching to behold.
+
+"Oh, poor fellow!" sighed Esmeralda softly.  "You _must_ be poor!  How
+can anyone manage to make a living out of--glue?"
+
+"But you know, Esmeralda darling, it is useful!  We break such heaps of
+things ourselves.  We often use it," urged Pixie anxiously; and at this
+her sister brightened visibly.
+
+"We do.  That's true for you, Pixie.  Perhaps it's your glue we use, Mr
+Hilliard.  Dear me, it will be quite cheering when we break anything
+after this!  We shall feel we are helping a friend by our misfortune."
+
+"That's very kind of you.  I'll remember that you said that, and it will
+cheer me too," replied Hilliard gallantly, and at that very moment a
+sound came to the ears of all.  "The gong!  It must be tea-time.  They
+are sounding it to let us hear.  I hope I have not kept you out too
+long."
+
+Ten minutes later they were all seated in the hall enjoying tea and
+scones, while Bridgie smiled sweetly on their flushed, animated faces.
+
+"You look well after your walk," she said.  "And what did Mr Hilliard
+think of our tame ruins?"
+
+Pixie looked at Esmeralda; Esmeralda looked at Mr Hilliard; Mr
+Hilliard looked at his boots.  One and all they had forgotten all about
+the ruins!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.
+
+THE UNWRITTEN PAGE.
+
+The New Year gathering was a great success, and justified Esmeralda's
+boast that she would organise an entertainment which should be both
+original and striking.  Mademoiselle was not admitted to the secret
+conferences, for she was to be surprised with the other guests; but she
+could not shut her ears, and would not have done so if she could, for
+the sound of the music which rose to her ears was too melodious to lose.
+One and all the O'Shaughnessys possessed beautiful singing voices, and
+though the carols which they rehearsed were simple in themselves, they
+were practised with a care which made them a joy to hear.  Over and over
+again the Major made his choir repeat a certain phrase, until the
+_diminuendo_ or _crescendo_ was rendered to his satisfaction, until
+opening and closing notes sounded together to the instant, and due
+expression was given to every mark.  Music he loved, and over music
+would spend time and trouble which he would have grudged in almost every
+other way; but he rubbed his hands with satisfaction when the last
+rehearsal was over, and boasted gleefully that for carol-singing not
+many choirs could be found to beat his own.
+
+By eight o'clock the girls were dressed and strutting up and down the
+hall to exhibit themselves to the gaze of their companions.  Bridgie
+wore her coming-out dress--not so white as it had once been, but
+carefully chalked at the worst places, and swathed in lovely old lace
+round the shoulders.  Esmeralda sported a pink moire dress which had
+once belonged to her mother, with a voluminous sash of white muslin,
+since nothing more elaborate was to hand, a wreath of roses out of last
+summer's hat pinned over one shoulder, with all the crunched-up leaves
+ironed out smooth and flat, and white gloves cleaned with benzoline
+until you could hardly tell them from new.  She was a vision of
+elegance, or looked so at least to the ordinary observer; for when a
+girl is eighteen, and a beauty at that, she is bound to look charming,
+whatever be her clothes.
+
+At nine o'clock the guests were asked, and the hour had barely struck
+before they began to arrive.  The sound of horses' feet was heard from
+without, wheels drew up before the door, and in they came, one party
+after another, having driven across country in the cold and the dark for
+five, for six, and in one instance for ten long miles, but arriving
+fresh and radiant for all that, and brimming over with good humour.
+Mademoiselle thought that she had not seen such a merry assembly since
+leaving her own dear land, or heard such a babel of tongues.  Everyone
+seemed to know everyone else, and to be on terms of closest intimacy and
+affection; everyone talked at once and exclaimed with rapture and
+admiration at the preparations for the entertainment.  It was easy to
+amuse such a company, and dancing and games were carried on with gusto
+in the long drawing-room, which had been prepared for the occasion, and
+looked comparatively festive with great fires burning in the fireplaces
+at either end.
+
+Soon after eleven o'clock the different members of the O'Shaughnessy
+family began to slip out of the room, but almost before their absence
+was noted, the Major was ringing a bell to attract attention and
+marshalling the company to the far end of the room.  At the same signal
+two servants entered the room, turned out the lamps, and drew aside the
+curtains from the mullioned windows, through which the grounds could be
+seen, lying white and still in the moonlight.  There was a rustle of
+expectation among the guests, for evidently something was about to
+happen, something appropriate to the day and the hour, yet what it could
+be no one had the ghost of an idea.  That was the best of those dear
+O'Shaughnessys, a smiling lady confided to Geoffrey Hilliard--no one
+could tell what they would be up to next!  They were different from
+everybody else, and their ways were so much more amusing and charming
+than the ordinary stereotyped usages of society.
+
+Hilliard agreed with fervour, and found an additional proof of the
+assertion as, one by one, a picturesque band of carollers entered the
+room by the farthest door and took up their position in a semicircle
+facing the audience.  They were uniformly robed in black, with cowl-like
+hoods hanging loosely round the face, and each bore a stick, on the end
+of which waved a brilliant Japanese lantern.  The lights lit up the
+features of the singers, and seldom indeed had "the beautiful
+O'Shaughnessys" appeared to greater advantage than at this moment.
+Jack's handsome features and commanding stature made him appear a type
+of young manhood, Miles for once forgot to grimace, and Pat's misleading
+air of innocence was even more guileless and touching than usual.  As
+for the girls, Esmeralda looked like a picture by Rossetti, and
+Bridgie's halo of golden hair was more bewitching than ever in its
+sombre setting.  No one looked at Pixie until the signal was given and
+the choristers burst into song, when she came in for even more than her
+own share of admiration, for the treble solos were without exception
+given to her to sing, and the piercing sweetness of the young voice
+moved some of the more emotional of the audience to surreptitious tears.
+
+Several carols were sung, interspersed with part-songs suitable to the
+occasion, and then the singers formed up in rank two and two, and at the
+Major's request the guests followed their example, making a long
+procession in the rear.  Another song was started, something slow and
+plaintive in tone, its subject being the dying year, with regret for all
+that it had brought of joy and gladness, and to its strains the
+procession started on a strange and charming expedition.  Down one long
+corridor, unlit save by the cold light from without and the warm flicker
+of lantern ahead along a deserted wing, where dust lay thick on the
+walls and the faces of departed ancestors looked down sadly from their
+tarnished frames, finally down the circular staircase, from which
+Esmeralda had had her first glimpse of Geoffrey Hilliard, and so into
+the great hall beneath.  At the end farthest from the door the Major
+halted, raised one hand, and called aloud in slow, solemn tones.
+
+"Prithee, silence!" he said.  That was all--"Prithee, silence!" and at
+the sound there was another flutter of excitement among the guests.  The
+hands of the clock pointed to four minutes to twelve, and it was evident
+that the last item in the charming programme was about to take place.
+Ladies moved about on tiptoe, mounting the first steps of the staircase,
+or standing on stools to ensure a better view.  Men moved politely to
+the rear.  There was a minute's preoccupation, and when the general gaze
+was once more turned to the doorway, it was seen that a significant
+change had taken place in the scene.
+
+Against a background of screens stood the figure of an old man--a very
+old man, it would appear, since his back was bowed and his head and
+beard white as the snow on the ground outside.  His brown cloak hung in
+tatters, and he leant heavily upon his staff.  A deep-toned "Ah-h!"
+sounded through the assembly, and showed that the onlookers were at no
+loss to understand the character which he was intended to represent.
+"The Old Year," murmured one voice after another.
+
+Then a solemn hush fell over all as the clock ticked out the last
+minutes, and through the opened door came a blast of icy air and a few
+flakes of snow, blown inwards by the wind.  Only another minute, and
+then there it came--the slow, solemn chiming of the clock on the tower.
+One, two, three.  Good-bye, Old Year!  What if you have brought troubles
+in your wake, you have brought blessings too, and sunny summer hours!
+Four, five, six--Dear old friend, we are sorrier to part with thee than
+we knew!  We have not appreciated thee enough, made enough of thy
+opportunities.  If we have ever reproached thee, thou hast cause to
+reproach us now.  Seven, eight, nine.  Going so soon?  We were used to
+thee, and had been long companions, and of the new and untried there is
+always a dread.  Good-bye, Old Year!  Take with thee our blessings and
+our thanks, our sorrowful regrets for all wherein we have been amiss.
+Ten, eleven, _twelve_.
+
+It is here!  The New Year has come, and to greet its arrival such a
+clashing of bells, such an outburst of strange and jangling sounds as
+fairly deafened the listening ears.  Molly, grinning from ear to ear,
+was running the broom-handle up and down the row of bells outside the
+servants' hall.  Mike was belabouring the gong as if his life depended
+on his exertions.  The stable-boy was blowing shrilly through a tin
+whistle, and the fat old cook was dashing trays of empty mustard-tins on
+the stone floor, and going off into peals of laughter between each
+movement.
+
+Perhaps it was owing to the stunning effect of this sudden noise that
+what had happened at the doorway seemed to have something of the
+quickness of magic to the astonished onlookers, but a good deal of the
+credit was still due to the castors, on which the screens had been
+mounted, to an ingenious arrangement of strings, and to many and careful
+rehearsals.  Certain it is that, whereas at one moment the figure of the
+Old Year was visible to all, at the next he had disappeared, and the
+sound of that last long chime had hardly died away before another figure
+stood in his place.  No need to ask the name of the visitor.  It was
+once more patent to the most obtuse beholder.  A small, girlish figure
+with dark locks falling loosely over the shoulders, with a straight
+white gown reaching midway between the knees and the ankles, and showing
+little bare feet encased in sandals.  A few white blossoms were held
+loosely in one hand, and in the other a long white scroll--the page on
+which was to be inscribed the history of an untried path.
+
+Pixie's face was white and awed, for the solemnity of the occasion and
+the poetry of the impersonation alike appealed to her emotional nature,
+and there was an expression upon the plain little face which was more
+impressive than any mere pink and white prettiness, as more than one of
+the onlookers remarked with astonishment.
+
+"Who could have believed that that child could look like that?" cried
+Geoffrey Hilliard to Mademoiselle, and that young lady tossed her head
+with an impatient movement.
+
+"Why not, pray?  If Pixie is not pretty, she is something better--she is
+_spirituelle_!" for it had come to this, that Mademoiselle could not
+endure to hear Pixie adversely criticised, and resented a depreciating
+remark as hotly as if it had had reference to herself.
+
+At this point the formal programme came to an end, and the guests
+hurried forward to shake hands with their hosts and thank them over and
+over again for the entertainment which they had provided, while the
+choristers shed their monk-like robes, (nothing after all but mackintosh
+cloaks with hoods cut out of black calico!) and appeared once more in
+evening dress.  The way was led to the dining-room, where refreshments
+were spread out on the long table, and there was much drinking of
+healths and exchanging of good wishes for the New Year.  Everyone was
+hungry and happy, and Mademoiselle's cakes and jellies were much
+appreciated; but Esmeralda sighed as she looked around, and ate
+sandwiches with such a pensive air that Hilliard demanded the reason of
+her depression.
+
+"This!" she sighed, holding out the half-eaten fragment, on which was
+plainly circled the mark of small white teeth.  "It hurts my sense of
+fitness.  We should have had boar's head and venison, and a sheep
+roasted whole.  We have some lovely old silver dishes which would have
+held them, but--" the "but" was significant, and she raised her
+beautiful shoulders with a shrug--"those days have departed.  We have to
+be content with sandwiches now."
+
+"There's no limit to one, surely," Hilliard replied gravely.  "We will
+keep this plate to ourselves, for I am prepared to eat a very good half,
+and you must be hungry after your exertions.  I can't tell how much I
+have enjoyed this evening.  It will stand out in my memory as unlike any
+other I have ever spent.  I shall often recall it when I am back in
+town."
+
+"When--when are you going back?" asked Esmeralda, with an anxiety which
+she made no effort to conceal.  "Not very soon, I hope.  Jack goes to-
+morrow, and that is quite enough at one time.  Oh, I do hate the end of
+the Christmas season!  Everyone seems to go away.  In a fortnight or so
+Pixie will be off, and Mademoiselle with her.  It has been so delightful
+having a visitor in the house, and she has been so kind and useful.  She
+made most of the things on the table to-night,--all those pretty iced
+cakes."
+
+"Ah, yes!  Very clever, I'm sure," said Hilliard absently.  It was easy
+to see that he had no attention to spare for Mademoiselle or her
+confectionery, and presently he added in a lower tone, "There is no
+immediate hurry for my return.  I can just as well stay another three or
+four days, but I must be back in town before this day week.  I fear
+there is no getting out of that."
+
+"Glue?" queried Esmeralda saucily.  They were sitting together at a
+little table behind most of the other guests, and she lay back in her
+chair looking up at him with a roguish smile.  "Glue?"
+
+"Glue principally.  It is a very--er--engrossing occupation," returned
+Hilliard, nobly resisting the inclination to pun; "but I think it could
+manage without me for a few days longer, and perhaps we could have
+another ride together.  There is a meet somewhere near the day after to-
+morrow.  Shall you be there?"
+
+Esmeralda hesitated, seized with a sudden mysterious disinclination to
+say "No," a desperate longing to say "Yes," and yet--and yet,--how could
+it decently be done?
+
+"I--don't know!  It's Bridgie's turn.  We have only one horse between
+us, and I have been the last three times.  I don't like to ask her
+again.  It seems so mean."
+
+"But if you did ask, she would let you go.  She would not mind taking
+her turn later on?"
+
+"Oh no, or not at all, for the matter of that.  There's nothing Bridgie
+wouldn't give away if anyone else wanted it.  She's an angel.  It's just
+because she's so sweet that I'm ashamed to be selfish."
+
+"I can understand that, but--just for once!  If you were to ask her very
+nicely to change places with you this time, because--because--er--"--
+Hilliard hesitated and pulled his moustache in embarrassment--"because
+you--"
+
+"Yes, that's just it.  What can I say?  Because what?" laughed Esmeralda
+gaily, then suddenly met the gaze of a pair of deep blue eyes, twinkling
+no longer, but fixed upon her in intent, earnest scrutiny, and flushed
+in mysterious embarrassment.
+
+"Because it was my last chance, and I had asked you especially to be
+there.  Because I had stayed on purpose to have another ride with you!
+That's the true reason, so far as I am concerned.  I am sure, if you
+told Miss Bridgie the truth, she wouldn't have the heart to say No."
+
+Esmeralda looked down at the table and crumbled bread thoughtfully.  She
+was by no means so sure.  Bridgie was enough of a mother to take fright
+at such an open declaration of interest.  She would not be so rash as to
+repeat the conversation _verbatim_, but go to that meet she would, let
+Bridgie refuse ten times over, let every horse disappear from the
+stable.  Go she would, if she had to borrow the pedlar's pony and ride
+barebacked all the way.  Such was the mental decision; aloud she said
+languidly--
+
+"Don't know, I'm sure!  Perhaps I may be too tired.  I'll see when the
+time comes," and stretched out her hand to beckon Pixie to her side.
+
+Hilliard smiled quietly.  He had an extraordinary way of seeing through
+Esmeralda's pretences, and he welcomed Pixie as genially as if the
+_tete-a-tete_ were of no consequence in his eyes.
+
+"Well, little white New Year, are you coming to sit down beside us?
+Have you had no supper yet?  I am sure you must be hungry after all your
+exertions.  Let me wait upon you now, in return for all the pleasure you
+have given me by your charming singing."
+
+But no, Pixie refused to sit down or to eat any of the good things
+pressed upon her.  For once in her life jellies and creams, even
+meringues themselves, failed to tempt her appetite, for she was feasting
+on an even sweeter diet--that of unlimited flattery and praise.  As she
+strolled to and fro among the guests she was greeted on every side with
+words of commendation for her singing, her charming impersonation of the
+character assigned to her, and by the more facetious members of the
+party implored to smile kindly upon them, to promise them her favour,
+and to remember their especial desires.  It was not likely that she was
+going to sit down in a corner of the room with no one but her sister and
+that stupid Mr Hilliard, who did nothing but stare at Esmeralda, as if
+he had never seen a girl before.  She shook her head as he pointed to a
+chair, but lingered a moment to allow him to examine her costume and pay
+the proper tribute of praise.
+
+"It's charming--quite charming--so simple, and yet so effective.  Those
+few loose flowers are much better than a formal bouquet, and the
+scroll--who made the scroll?  It is most professional, and I see you
+have a pencil hanging by the side,--white,--to match the rest."  He
+lifted it as he spoke, and made as though about to write, but at that
+Pixie drew back in dismay.
+
+"No, you mustn't!  Be careful,--you must be careful.  It won't rub out."
+
+She walked hastily away, and the two who were left looked at each other,
+half sad, half smiling, for the words went home with a meaning deeper
+than any which the speaker had intended to convey.
+
+"Be careful.  It won't rub out," repeated Hilliard slowly.  "That's a
+good motto for the New Year.  I don't know that one could have a better.
+I shall remember that, and the scroll all white and unmarked.  I wonder
+what will be written there before the year is done?"
+
+"A great deal, I hope--a great many happenings.  I am tired of jogging
+along in the same old way.  I would like a sensational headline in big
+print, and that as soon as possible!" cried Esmeralda recklessly.
+
+Poor Esmeralda!  The day was near at hand when she recalled her words,
+and winced at the remembrance in sorrow and misery.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.
+
+THE LAST RUN.
+
+"Me dear," said Bridgie to Mademoiselle, the next morning, showing all
+her dimples at once in the most mischievous of smiles, "what do you
+think Mr Hilliard said to me last night before he left?  He has made
+arrangements to stay a few days later to have another ride with the
+hounds.  He believed it would be a very good meet on Thursday, and how
+wonderfully my sister did ride, to be sure.  It's my belief he started
+with the intention of asking me to let Esmeralda go in my place, but I
+looked so innocent at him that he hadn't the heart.  `Indeed,' I said,
+`she did so, and I feared he would think I made but a poor show in
+comparison.'  Wasn't it cruel of me now, and the poor thing looking at
+me speechless, with those lovely, humbugging eyes!  I had to turn away
+and laugh in a corner, but I wouldn't relent, for, says I to myself, if
+I have to give up my run, I'll get some fun another way--and it is
+amusing, isn't it now, when a man shows you so plainly that he doesn't
+want you?"
+
+"Indeed that is a form of humour I do not understand!" returned
+Mademoiselle, with her nose in the air.  "But you will give way, of
+course--that goes without saying--and let Esmeralda go once again.  You
+will not stand out to the end!"
+
+"How could I?  Suppose it was myself, and--someone I told you about.
+How should I feel if I had the chance of seeing him, and she would not
+allow me?  I believe they are really beginning to care for each other,
+and he is a nice man.  I should like him well enough."
+
+"A week ago you were alarmed at the thought!  I confess he makes on me a
+pleasant impression, but surely you know very little about him, and it
+is rather rash to accept him at once as a possible suitor.  What do you
+know beyond that he is handsome, and appears amiable and kind?"
+
+"His uncle was one of the Hilliards of Nanabeg.  My father knew him
+well, and he was a fine, old-fashioned gentleman.  That was what made
+this Mr Geoffrey come here for the hunting.  He had heard his uncle
+speak of Bally William, and the Trelawneys take paying guests for the
+hunting season, so he arranged to come to them.  He is not very well
+off, I'm afraid, for Joan tells me that he has to make his money out of
+glue, poor creature!  But he must be nice, if he is the old squire's
+nephew."
+
+Mademoiselle's eyes rolled upward with an eloquent glance.  It was a new
+article of faith that a nephew must needs be exemplary because his uncle
+had been a popular country squire, but she held her peace and amused
+herself by watching the play which went on between the two sisters
+during the next twenty-four hours.  Esmeralda was plainly anxious and
+ill at ease, and made tentative allusions to the coming meet, which
+Bridgie received with bland obtuseness.  She had not the courage to make
+her request in so many words, but instead brought forward a succession
+of gloomy prophecies calculated to dampen expectation in the mind of any
+but the most enthusiastic rider.
+
+"It will be a heavy run to-morrow," she said, shaking her head dismally
+as she glanced out of the window on the quickly melting snow.  "I
+wouldn't wonder if it poured with rain!  It's a fine draggled set the
+women will look before they get home."
+
+"I prefer the ground soft, and as for sunshine, it's a thing I detest,--
+dazzling your eyes, and the poor mare's into the bargain.  Dull weather
+and a cloudy sky is what I hope to see, and for once it looks as if I
+should get my wish."
+
+"Well, it's good weather you need, to get safely over that country.  Mr
+O'Brien was saying only last season that it was the worst we had.  There
+are some nasty bits of water this side of Roskillie, and they will be
+swollen with all this snow.  Now next week over at Aughrin it really
+will be pleasant and comfortable."
+
+"I'm so glad, darling!  I hope you will enjoy it!"  Bridgie put her head
+on one side, with a smile of angelic sweetness.  Then, as Esmeralda
+flounced from the room in disgust, turned back to Mademoiselle,
+laughingly penitent.
+
+"Isn't it wicked of me now, but I do enjoy it!  She must care very much
+to be so shy about asking, for in an ordinary way she would have blurted
+it out long ago.  Well, I shall just wait until to-morrow, and then I'll
+say I am--" she paused to laugh over the word--"indisposed!"
+
+There is many a true word spoken in jest, and Bridgie was reminded of
+the proverb when the next morning arrived, and her inclination for
+hunting or any other amusement died a sudden death through an incident
+which happened at the breakfast-table.  The Major was the only one of
+the party who received a letter, and when he had perused it he gave an
+exclamation of dismay, and leant back in his chair with an expression of
+bewilderment.  "It can't be!  It isn't possible!" he muttered to
+himself, and when Bridgie inquired the reason of his distress, he threw
+the letter across the table with an impatient movement.
+
+"That wretched bank!  They say I have overdrawn.  It's impossible,--
+there was a decent balance only a few months back!  They have made some
+mistake.  I am positive it is a mistake."
+
+He left the room as he spoke, for breakfast had come to an end at last,
+after the usual long-drawn-out proceedings, and he had waited until he
+had finished his meal before opening the uninteresting looking envelope,
+and only Bridgie was left, sitting patiently behind the urn, with
+Mademoiselle to keep her company.  She also rose as if to go, feeling
+that she might be _de trop_ under the circumstances, but Bridgie raised
+a pale face, and said flatly--
+
+"Don't run away, Therese, I'd rather you stayed!  I knew it must come
+some day.  It's only a little sooner than I expected."
+
+"But, _ma cherie_--don't look like that, Bridgie dear!  Your father says
+there is a mistake.  He seemed surprised like yourself.  If, as he says,
+the bank is mistaken--"
+
+But at this Bridgie shook her head with doleful conviction.
+
+"The bank is never wrong!  Oh, I've been through this before, and every
+time father declares it's a mistake, but it never is!  I've been
+disappointed so often that I can't hope any more.  Poor dear father
+seems to have no idea how quickly money goes, and he is so extravagant
+with his horses.  He bought a new hunter this autumn, and made
+alterations in the stables.  I have tried to be careful, but, as I said
+before, it is so little I can do!  Well, this is the last stage but one.
+There are a few more shares that can be sold to keep us going for a
+little longer, and then out we go.  Poor father, he won't be able to
+carry out his programme at this rate.  Esmeralda's duke has not come
+forward, and neither has my millionaire.  When we leave the Castle we
+shall have to squeeze into a cottage, and live on potatoes and
+buttermilk.  I am glad I am not going to the meet.  I should have been
+wretched all the time, but Joan need not know until she comes back."
+
+Bridgie's pale cheeks seemed sufficient explanation of her determination
+to stay at home, and Esmeralda was sweetly sympathetic and concerned,
+but quite decided that exertion must at all costs be avoided.
+
+"Me dear, you must not think of going!  It would be madness.  I'll keep
+father company, so don't you worry a bit, but just lie down and take it
+easy the whole day long," she cried gushingly; and Bridgie smiled,
+despite her heartache, and felt comforted by the reflection that two
+people would owe their happiness to her absence.
+
+The Major looked very handsome in his "pink" coat, but his brow was
+clouded, and he sighed profoundly as he came into the dining-room to
+light his cigar, and saw his eldest daughter standing disconsolately by
+the window.
+
+"So you are not coming after all, Bride?  Letting Joan take your place?
+Well, everyone to his taste.  I feel as if it would do me good to have a
+hard run and let off steam that way.  I'll show them some riding to-day,
+if they have never seen it before.  There won't be much that will stand
+in my way, but you prefer to stay at home and eat your heart out in
+quiet.  Your mother was the same; she couldn't throw it off.  It's a
+pity for your own sake you don't take after me instead."  Then suddenly,
+as he looked at her, his face altered, and he put his arms round her
+with a rare tenderness.  "Poor little woman!  Poor little anxious
+Martha, this is rough on you!  I've brought about this ill day by my
+thoughtlessness.  If I'd been as careful as you, we might have lasted
+out until the children were grown up, but I was like Micawber--always
+expecting something to `turn up.'  You must try to forgive me, Bride.
+You must not be hard on your old father!"
+
+Ah, and it was a lovely sight to see Bridget O'Shaughnessy's face at
+that moment--the sweetness of it, and the pity and tenderness, and the
+deep, unselfish love!  Her father was touched by the sight, and lingered
+by her side, stroking her soft hair and murmuring fond, regretful words.
+
+"I haven't treated you well.  That minx Joan has twisted me round her
+finger, and you have suffered for it.  You have had a hard time these
+last two years.  Never mind, we'll make a fresh start.  I'll turn over a
+new leaf from this day, and you shall take me in hand.  Who knows but we
+may pull through yet?"
+
+He went off waving his hand in adieu, and Bridgie stood watching the two
+riders until they disappeared from sight, and repeating his loving words
+with fond appreciation.  Hard time!  Who had had a hard time?  She was a
+fortunate girl to have had so much love and kindness, to possess such a
+dear, gallant, handsome father.  What if they had to leave the Castle?
+Happiness did not depend upon the walls by which they were surrounded.
+So long as they were all together, they might laugh at poverty!
+
+Meanwhile Esmeralda and her father were gently trotting along towards
+the park at Roskillie, from whence, in hunting parlance, they were to
+proceed to "draw Long Gorse," and on their way were enjoying the
+picturesque surroundings of a meet in the country.  Along every high
+road, footpath, and byroad came horses and riders of various sorts and
+sizes, walking or jogging along towards the central point.  Schoolboys
+were coming on ponies to see the start, farmers on clever nags; neatly
+dressed grooms riding, or leading horses conspicuous for shape and
+beauty.  Down the cross-road approached the hounds themselves, headed by
+their whipper-in and surrounding the picturesque figure of the huntsman.
+They took up their position in the park, and presently from every point
+of the compass the scarlet coats came trotting forward, followed by a
+string of drags, dogcarts, and gigs.  The Major and his daughter came in
+for greetings on every side, for they were among old friends, and the
+girl's beauty and daring had made her popular with all.  There were
+other ladies present, but they looked colourless and insignificant
+beside the glowing young Amazon, and she was quite conscious of the
+fact, and of the becoming correctness of the new habit.  While yet
+twenty yards distant her quick eye had distinguished Geoffrey Hilliard,
+but she affected not to see him until he rode up to her side, his face
+aglow with pleasure.
+
+"You managed it, then?  You managed to get here?"
+
+"My sister is not feeling very well.  She begged to be excused," replied
+Esmeralda demurely, and Hilliard laughed and muttered something about
+"blessed Saint Bridget," which on the whole she thought it wiser not to
+hear.  When the signal was given to move on, he kept beside her as the
+horsemen proceeded to cross several grassy fields; and, contrary to his
+usual custom, her father lagged behind, as though relieved to leave her
+to the care of another.  Esmeralda turned lightly in her saddle, saw him
+riding at the farther end of the long line, and looked wonderingly at
+her companion.
+
+"Something's wrong with the Major.  He was so glum all the way here, and
+look at him now with his head hanging forward!  It's not like him to be
+down-hearted at a meet."
+
+"Perhaps he is tired.  He'll waken up presently when we get to business.
+It would only worry him if we took any notice."
+
+"That's true.  Perhaps the mare fidgets him.  It's the one he bought a
+short time since, and she has an awkward temper.  Sometimes she is a
+paragon and does everything that she ought, but at others she is fidgety
+and uncertain.  Father thinks she has been badly ridden at the start,
+but that she is good enough to take trouble with still."
+
+"She looks a beauty, and she has not had any time to annoy him to-day.
+I think it can hardly be that.  Did not your brother return to town
+yesterday?  I stayed away on purpose, because I feared that on his last
+day you would not care to be disturbed; but isn't it very likely that
+Major O'Shaughnessy is depressed at being without him?"
+
+Esmeralda looked up with a brightening glance.  "Why, of course, I never
+thought of that!  Father hates saying good-bye to Jack, hates him being
+in town at all, for he is the first O'Shaughnessy who has ever gone into
+business.  There was a great scene when Jack was twenty, because he
+insisted on doing something for himself.  `Have you no pride?' cries my
+father.  `Faith I have!' cries Jack.  `Too much of it to spend all my
+life starving in a ruin.'  `You will be the first of your race to soil
+your hands with trade.'  `Honest work,' says Jack, `will soil no man's
+hands, and please God, I'll touch nothing that isn't honest.'  `You'll
+be falling into English ways and selling the old place as not fit for
+you to live in.  I know the ways of your purse-proud English.'  Then
+Jack went white all over his face, and he says, `It's never a stone of
+Knock I'd sell if I could keep it with my own heart's blood, but it's
+time it had a master who could spend money on it instead of seeing it
+fall to pieces before his eyes.'  Then it was the Major's turn to go
+white, and mother said softly, `Jack dear--Jack!'  You never knew my
+mother.  Bridgie is like her, she always made peace--and after that
+father made no more objections.  I think, in a curious sort of way, he
+was proud of Jack because he would have his will, and he is doing well.
+He will retrieve our fortunes some fine day.  There! there go the
+hounds!  They are over into the covert, and see! see! there's that old
+shepherd holding up his hat.  The fox is off!  Now for it!"
+
+Now for it indeed!  From that time forth there was little chance of
+connected conversation, but all his life long Geoffrey Hilliard looked
+back upon that morning with the fond, yearning tenderness with which we
+recall the sunshine which precedes a storm.  It was so delightful to be
+mounted upon a fine horse galloping lightly across country with that
+beautiful figure by his side, the dark eyes meeting his with a flash of
+understanding at every fresh incident of the run.  As time wore on and
+the ground became more difficult, the other ladies dropped behind one by
+one, but Esmeralda never wearied, never flinched before any obstacle.
+It was the prettiest thing in the world to see her trot slowly but
+straightly towards gate or fence, loosen the reins, and soar like a bird
+over the apparently formidable obstacle, and Hilliard privately admitted
+that it took him all his time to keep level with her.  The Major still
+rode apart, and seemed to take pleasure in choosing the most difficult
+jumps that came in his way; but his mare behaved well, and no one felt
+any anxiety about the safety of one of the cleverest riders present.
+Danger was close at hand, however, in one of those nasty "bits of water"
+of which Esmeralda had spoken to her sister.  The hounds doubled
+suddenly, and the huntsmen, wheeling their horses to follow, saw before
+them at a distance of some quarter of a mile a line of those well-known
+willows which to the practised eye so plainly bespeak the presence of a
+brook.  Esmeralda pointed towards them and spoke a few warning words.
+
+"A bad bit, swollen, I expect, after the snow.  A fence this side.
+There's the Master taking a view.  He will tell us if it's safe, if not,
+we must try the meadow.  Ride over here towards him."
+
+She swerved to the side as she spoke, and a moment later was within
+short enough distance to hear the warning cry.  The Master pointed with
+his whip in the direction of the meadow, of which Esmeralda had spoken,
+and the next moment the whole hunt was galloping after him.  The whole
+hunt, we have said, but there was one exception, for one rider refused
+to take warning or to turn aside from the direct line across country.
+The sudden change of course had left him in the rear, and so it happened
+that his absence was not noted by his companions, and it was only when
+several moments had passed that Esmeralda, looking from side to side,
+began to draw her delicate brows into a frown as she asked Hilliard--
+
+"Where's father?  I can't see him.  He is not here."
+
+"I don't see him either, but he was with us five minutes ago before we
+turned back.  I saw him in the last field."
+
+"So did I, but where is he now?  He can't--" Esmeralda reined in
+suddenly and turned startled eyes upon her companion--"he can't have
+tried that brook?"
+
+"No, no!  Certainly not."  But even as he spoke Hilliard had a prevision
+of the truth.  Although he would not admit as much as Esmeralda, there
+had been something in the Major's bearing which had struck him
+unpleasantly since the moment of meeting, and his reckless riding had
+deepened the impression.  "You go on," he said earnestly, "and I will
+ride back and see.  Perhaps he took a look at the brook and then had to
+come round after all, which would make him late.  Please go on, Miss
+Joan."
+
+But Esmeralda looked him full in the eyes and turned her horse back
+towards the brook.
+
+"I am going back myself.  If there has been an accident, it is I who
+should be there.  Don't hinder me, Mr Hilliard.  I must go to my
+father."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.
+
+TROUBLE AT KNOCK.
+
+The Major was lying on the bank of the stream, white and motionless,
+while Black Bess was pawing the air in agony a few yards away.
+Esmeralda slipped from her saddle and ran to his side, and he opened his
+eyes and smiled at her feebly.
+
+"Joan, my girl!  That's right.  My--own--fault!  I had no business to
+try it, but I was--mad, I think.  That poor beast!" and he turned away
+his head, unable to look upon the animal's struggles.  "I can't move.
+Get a cart--O'Brien's farm."
+
+"I'll go!  I can see the chimneys.  I'll bring help at once.  I'll bring
+back men with me, and we'll lift him with less pain."
+
+Hilliard dashed off in the direction of the farm, and Joan knelt down
+and lifted her father's head on to her knee.  He tried to smile
+encouragement into the ashen face.
+
+"It might have been worse, dear!  She threw me clear of the water, and
+I've no pain.  I shall be all right when I get home, and have a rest."
+
+"Yes, darling, yes.  Of course you will," answered Esmeralda bravely.
+Accidents in the hunting-field were unfortunately no new thing to her,
+and her heart died within her as she looked at the helpless limbs, and
+heard her father's words.  Over and over again had she heard old
+huntsmen marvel at the unconsciousness of those who were most mortally
+injured.  Absence of pain, combined with loss of power in the limbs,
+meant serious injury to the spine, yet it seemed as if, with the
+comparative comfort of the body, there must be a dulling of the mental
+powers, since the victim frequently congratulated himself on his escape,
+and seemed to forget the experiences of others!
+
+As Esmeralda sat holding her father's head on her knee, the future
+stretched before her, transformed by the accident of a moment.  The
+Major would never again ride by her side, never again mount his horse
+and gallop over the wide green land; while he lived he must lie even as
+he lay now, still and straight, a child in the hands of his nurses!
+Poor father! oh, poor, poor father! what a death in life, to one of his
+restless nature! what grief, what agony to see his sufferings!  The
+spring would come, and the summer, and the autumn, but there would be no
+sunshine at Knock Castle, nothing but clouds and darkness, and dull,
+settled gloom.  Esmeralda had been her father's darling, and had
+returned his love with all the fervour of a passionate Irish heart, so
+that the sight of him in his helplessness hurt like a physical pain, and
+the moments seemed endless until Hilliard returned accompanied by the
+farmer and three of his men.
+
+An hour later the Major was carried upstairs to his own room in the
+Castle, and laid gently upon the old four-poster bed.  Hilliard had
+ridden on in advance to prepare the young mistress, and there she stood
+at the doorway, white to the lips, but smiling still, a smile of almost
+motherly tenderness as she bent over the prostrate form.
+
+"More trouble to ye, Bridgie!" murmured the Major faintly.  "A little
+rest--that's all I need; but that poor beast!  Tell Dennis to go and put
+her out of her misery."  He shut his eyes and remained silent until the
+doctor arrived, galloping up to the door on Hilliard's horse, which he
+had lent to save time, and tearing up the staircase to the sick-room
+with the unprofessional speed of an old and devoted friend.
+
+The examination was soon over, and fortunately the patient asked no
+questions; he was tired and inclined for sleep, unperturbed on his own
+account, but greatly distressed for the noble animal for whose agony he
+held himself responsible.  He was soothed by the assurance that
+everything possible should be done to cure, or, if that were impossible,
+to end its sufferings, and was then left to rest, while the doctor
+returned to the morning-room, to face the sisters with what courage he
+might.  Bridgie lay back in a deep, old-fashioned chair, a slight,
+almost childlike figure, her hands clasped in her lap, her shoulders
+bowed as by too heavy a burden--the burden of all those five
+motherless,--it might soon be fatherless?--children.  Esmeralda,
+straight and defiant by the fireplace, her stormy eyes challenging his
+face.
+
+"I--I--there is very little to say!"  The doctor passed his hands
+helplessly through his grey locks and wished himself at the other end of
+the county.  "I didn't want to fatigue him to-day, but to-morrow we can
+have a better examination.  Perhaps Trevor would come over in
+consultation.  He seems quite easy--quite easy and comfortable.  I think
+he will sleep.  You must keep up your hearts, and not let him think you
+are anxious.  A great thing to keep up the spirits!"
+
+"Why do you talk like that?  Why do you try to deceive us?  My father
+will never get better.  You know perfectly well that it is hopeless!"
+Esmeralda's voice sounded clear and cold as falling water; her lips did
+not tremble, she looked the doctor full in the face with hard, defiant
+eyes.  "I have seen other accidents before this, and know what it means.
+It is useless to pretend.  He has no pain because his spine is too much
+injured.  If he suffered, there might be some hope; as it is, there is
+none.  He will lie there days, weeks, months, whichever it may be, but
+he will never move out of that room.  He is dead already, my father, the
+father I love, and it will be cruel and wicked of you if you try to keep
+him alive!"
+
+"Joan, Joan!  Oh, darling, don't!  Think what you are saying!"
+
+Tender-hearted Bridgie burst into tears, but Esmeralda would not be
+restrained.  She turned to her sister ablaze with righteous anger.
+
+"What!  You too?  Would you keep him here, existing--merely existing--
+not able to do anything--he who has been so active all his life!  It's
+cruel, I tell you--cruel and selfish!  You ought not even to wish such a
+thing!"
+
+"My child, the issues of life and death are not in our hands!"  The
+voice of the old man sounded solemn and deep after the girl's heated
+accents, and she caught her breath as she listened.  "It is not for you
+to decide what is best.  If your father lingers in helplessness, it will
+be for some wise purpose, and you will see that it will be less trying
+than you expect.  Nature herself will work in his favour, for, when
+paralysis comes, on the brain is mercifully deadened against the worst.
+He will not suffer, and in all probability he will be patient and
+resigned.  Is not that something for which to be thankful?"
+
+Bridgie covered her face with a low, heart-broken cry, for the doctor's
+silent assent to Esmeralda's verdict--the undisguised conviction that
+the case was hopeless--came to her with a shock of surprise before which
+her courage wavered.
+
+"Mother dead--father dead!  All those children alone in the world, and
+no money for them, and only me--only me--" Her heart swelled with a
+great wave of protecting love; she held out her arms and cried brokenly,
+"Esmeralda, come--come to me.  Darling, if we are to be alone, we must
+help each other, we must love each other more!  Oh, Esmeralda, be brave,
+for I am frightened--I can't do everything alone!"  And at that
+Esmeralda gave a great cry and rushed across the room, and the old
+doctor groped his way downstairs, leaving the sisters sobbing in each
+other's arms.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.
+
+THE SENTENCE.
+
+That afternoon and the next day passed away like a nightmare, and still
+the Major lay in the same helpless calm.  Mr Hilliard had gone over to
+Dublin on his own responsibility, and had come back late at night,
+bringing with him a trained nurse, at the sight of whom Bridgie shed
+tears of thankfulness; but during the daytime the sisters took it in
+turns to watch by the bedside, while Mademoiselle seemed to act the part
+of guardian angel to the whole household in turns.  She soothed the
+excited servants and roused them to a sense of their duty.  She cooked
+dainty little dishes for the nurses, and ministered to them when they
+were off duty.  She interviewed callers, and, last and best of all, took
+Pixie in hand, and kept her interested and content.  It was the strong
+wish of her brothers and sisters that Pixie should not suspect the
+dangerous nature of her father's illness, for they knew her excitable
+nature, and trembled for the effect on the invalid of one of her
+passionate bursts of lamentation.
+
+"Besides, what's the use?  Let her be happy as long as she can!  I want
+her to be happy!" cried Bridgie pathetically; and Mademoiselle assented,
+knowing full well that the very effort of keeping up before the child
+would be good for the rest of the household.  There was no preventing
+one interview, however, for the Major was as much set on seeing his
+piccaninny as she was determined to see him; so on the evening of the
+second day Bridgie led her cautiously into the room, and the sick man
+moved his eyes--the only part of him that seemed able to move--and
+looked wistfully into the eager face.
+
+"Well, my Pixie, I've been getting into trouble, you see!"
+
+"Does it hurt ye, father?  Have you got a pain?"
+
+"Never a bit, Pixie.  I'm just numb.  I feel as if I can't move!"
+
+"I've felt the same meself.  Many times!  I feel it every morning at
+school when the gong rings and I'm made to get up.  It's the same as
+being lazy."
+
+The Major smiled for the first time since his return home.  He never
+could resist Pixie's quaint speeches, and Bridgie watched with delight
+his brightening glance.
+
+"Is it, piccaninny?  That doesn't sound very serious.  You'll have to
+tell the doctor to be stern with me.  What have you been doing with
+yourself all day?"
+
+"Fretting for you, but Mademoiselle's going to play games with me, and
+I'll enjoy them now that you're comfortable.  You've got on the very
+best pillow-cases, father.  You do look smart!  Are you tired now?  Do
+you want to go to sleep?  Will I sing to you awhile, the hymn you liked
+so much at church last Sunday?"
+
+Bridgie looked dismayed at the suggestion, but it appeared that Pixie
+knew best what would please her father, for once more his face
+brightened, and the eyes flashed an assent.  On Sunday evenings in
+winter, when the long dark walk made it difficult to get to church, the
+O'Shaughnessys had been accustomed to sing hymns together, not in the
+drawling, slipshod method in which such singing is too often done, but
+with at least as much care and finish as they would have bestowed on
+secular music, the different parts being accurately represented, and due
+attention given to time and expression.  In this way delightful hours
+had been spent, and many beautiful hymns imprinted on the memory, so
+that in this instance Pixie had no need to consult a book.  She merely
+leant against the bed-post, clasped her hands together, and, opening her
+lips, began at once to sing, with clear, full-throated sweetness--
+
+  "`Come unto Me, ye weary,
+  And I will give you rest!'"
+
+The beautiful old words seemed to take upon themselves an added
+significance in the shaded room, with the motionless figure lying upon
+the bed.  The Major shut his eyes, and Bridgie turned aside with
+quivering face, but the flute-like voice went on without a tremor--
+
+  "`Come unto Me, ye fainting,
+  And I will give you life!'
+  O cheering voice of Jesus,
+  Which comes to end our strife.
+  The foe is stern and eager,
+  The fight is fierce and long,
+  But He has made us mighty,
+  And stronger than the strong."
+
+There was a slight quickening of time in the last two lines, a clearer,
+stronger tone, as the singer's emotional nature caught the triumph in
+the words, but the last verse was soft as an echo.
+
+  "`And whosoever cometh
+  I will not cast him out.'
+  O welcome voice of Jesus,
+  Which drives away our doubt;
+  Which calls us very sinners,
+  Unworthy though we be
+  Of love so free and boundless,
+  To come, dear Lord, to Thee!"
+
+The Major's face was in shadow, but Bridgie saw the big tears rolling
+down his cheeks, and hurried the little sister from the room.
+
+"You sang beautifully, darling.  It was sweet of you to think of it, but
+now we must let him be quiet.  I think perhaps he will go to sleep."
+
+"Yes, he says he feels lazy!  The Major was always fond of his bed!"
+cried Pixie, skipping blithely down the staircase; but when Bridgie went
+back to the sick-room her father's eyes were fixed eagerly on the
+doorway, and he said in urgent tones--
+
+"Bride, I'm wanting to see O'Brien!  Send down for him at once, and when
+he arrives, let him come up alone.  I want to have a talk!"
+
+Bridgie obeyed, in fear and trembling.  Had something in the sweet
+though solemn words of the hymn arrested the sick man's attention and
+given him a conviction of his own danger?  She sent the faithful Dennis
+in search of the doctor, and in less than an hour's time the two old
+friends were once more face to face.
+
+"O'Brien," said the Major clearly, "I want you to answer me a question
+before I sleep.  Shall I ever hunt again?"  And at this the doctor
+heaved a sigh of relief, for he had feared a more direct inquiry, and
+consequently one more difficult to answer.
+
+"Not this season, my boy; you must make up your mind to that.  A spill
+like yours takes a little time to recover.  You must be easy, and make
+yourself happy at home."
+
+"O'Brien, shall I ever hunt again?"
+
+The doctor put his hand to his head in miserable embarrassment.  He had
+known handsome Jack O'Shaughnessy since he was a boy in knickerbockers.
+It was more than he could stand to look him in the face and give him his
+death-warrant.
+
+"Now--now--now," he cried impatiently, "it isn't like you, Major, to be
+worrying your head about what is going to happen next year!  Keep still,
+and be thankful you've a comfortable bed to lie on and two of the
+prettiest daughters in Ireland to wait upon you!  When next season comes
+it will answer for itself, but I'm not a prophet--I can't foretell the
+future."
+
+The Major looked in his face with bright, steady eyes.
+
+"You foolish fellow!" he cried.  "You foolish fellow!  You were always a
+bad hand at deception, and you are no cleverer than usual this evening.
+What are you afraid of, man?  I'm not a coward!  If my time's come, I
+can face it calmly.  Back injured, eh?  That's why I felt no pain, but
+it's difficult to realise that an injury is hopeless, when one is so
+comparatively comfortable.  How long will it be?"
+
+He was perfectly calm, but the doctor was trembling with emotion, and
+his voice was rough with tears.
+
+"I can't say.  You are very ill, old man--I won't deceive you--but while
+there is life there is hope.  We are going to have a man from Dublin; we
+will try every means, and you must help us by keeping up your heart.
+One never knows what changes may take place."  But the Major only looked
+at him the more steadily and repeated his question.
+
+"How long will it be?  I ought to know, so that I may do what I can for
+the children.  I haven't been the best of fathers to them, and the
+estate is in a rare muddle.  And Jack!  What about Jack?  I'd like to
+see him again, but if it's not imminent, I won't bring him back just
+yet.  The boy is doing well, but he is not his own master, and has just
+had a holiday.  I must be unselfish in my last days, but you must
+promise, doctor, not to let me go without seeing Jack!"
+
+"My dear fellow, it's not a question of days!  At the worst it will be
+weeks, possibly months.  My own opinion is two or three months, but we
+shall know better after Barrett has been down.  I wish you had not asked
+me.  It's the hardest work I've ever had to do, to tell you this; but
+for the children's sake--If there is anything to be done, you ought not
+to waste time!"
+
+"I understand!" said the Major quietly, then suddenly a light flashed
+across his face, and his eyes sparkled as with joy.  "I shall die at
+Knock!" he cried.  "I shall not have to turn out after all!  It was that
+that drove me mad, O'Brien--the thought of leaving the old place where I
+was born, and all my people before me!  I had bad news from the bank,
+and it seemed as if the end had come at last, and all the time I was
+riding I was feeling desperate--driven into a corner.  The poor beast
+tried to save me, she knew the jump was too much for her, but I was too
+reckless to care.  I felt that I could face death sooner than leave the
+old place, and now it has come to that after all.  I shall die at Knock!
+Thank God for that!  Go downstairs, O'Brien, and tell the girls that I
+know the truth, and am quite happy.  You needn't mind leaving me.  I
+shall sleep now!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.
+
+ESMERALDA'S SOLACE.
+
+The Dublin specialist came down in due course, and entirely agreed with
+Dr O'Brien's diagnosis.  There was no chance of the Major's recovery,
+and though there was no immediate danger, it was not likely that life
+would be prolonged for more than two or three months at most.  He would
+not suffer physically nor mentally, for the brain power would become
+more and more dulled, so that he would hardly realise his condition.
+
+The thought of watching him die by inches, as it were, was an even
+harder trial to Esmeralda's impetuous nature than the shock of a sudden
+death, but Bridgie was thankful for every day as it came, for every
+opportunity of ministering to his needs.  And he was so sweet, so
+gentle; all his former indifference and selfishness had fallen from him
+like a cloak, and his one thought was for his children, his one anxiety
+on their behalf.  When Bridgie saw how devoted he was to his piccaninny,
+and how she could always succeed in raising a smile, she proposed that
+the child should not return to school for the next term at least; but
+the Major would not listen to the suggestion.
+
+"No, no!  I promised Molly that she should have her chance, and I won't
+have her distressed.  If she stayed on she would find out--and she would
+cry, and I never could endure to see her cry.  It would be delightful to
+have her, but it will count for one real unselfish thing I've done in my
+life if I do without her for these last weeks."
+
+So it was arranged that Pixie should return at the proper date, and
+Mademoiselle sat in the morning-room stitching away at the pile of
+shabby little garments, mending, and darning, putting in "elegant"
+little patches at the elbows, and turning and pressing the frayed silk
+cuffs.  Neither of the sisters had time to help, and indeed seemed to
+think It unnecessary to spend so much trouble on a child's outfit, but
+Mademoiselle set her lips and went steadily on with her task.  She knew,
+if they did not, that it is not too pleasant for a girl to be noticeably
+shabby at a fashionable school, and many a dainty piece of ribbon and
+lace found its way from her box to refresh hat or dress, and give an
+appearance of freshness to the well-worn background.  When the last
+night came, and Bridgie tried to thank her for her help, she shook her
+head and refused to listen.
+
+"I was a stranger to you, and you welcomed me among you as if I had been
+your own.  You were more than kind, you seemed to love me, and never let
+me feel for one moment that I was one apart.  That means a great deal to
+a woman who is alone in a strange land, and I could not be more happy
+than to find something to do for you in return.  What is a little
+sewing?  Bah!  I tell you, my friend, it is much more than that I intend
+to do for your Pixie.  You say that you will not long be able to send
+her to school, but I can do better for her than school.  At the end of
+this year I must go 'ome, for my sister is _fiancee_, and when she is
+married I must be there to look after the old father.  Lend Pixie to me,
+and she shall learn to speak French, the proper French, not that
+dreadful language of Holly House, and I will take her myself to the
+Conservatoire--there is no better place in the world to learn music than
+the Conservatoire in Paris--and she shall learn to sing and make use of
+that lovely voice.  _Voila, ma chere_, at the end of a few years she
+comes back to you, and you will not know her!  A young woman, with
+grace, with charm, with--what shall I say?--an air such as your English
+girls do not know how to possess, and everyone shall say, `How she is
+accomplished, that Pixie!  How she is clever and _chic_!'"
+
+The tears had risen in Bridgie's eyes, but now she was obliged to laugh
+at the same time, for it was so droll to think of Pixie as a young lady
+"with an air!"  She laid her hand on Mademoiselle's arm, with one of her
+pretty caressing gestures.
+
+"You are a dear, kind Therese, and it all sounds too charming, but I am
+afraid it cannot be done.  We shall be very poor, dear father's pension
+will die with him, and if we cannot afford school, we could not pay you
+properly for all your trouble.  You are a darling for thinking of it,
+but--"
+
+She stopped short in dismay, for Mademoiselle had straightened her back
+until it was as stiff as a poker, and was glaring at her with the air of
+an offended Fury.
+
+"Did you ask me for money when I came here?  Did you expect me to pay
+when you asked me to your house?  Am I a pauper, then, that you insult
+me with such an idea?  It is the first time, I must say, that I have
+invited a guest, and been offered a payment."
+
+"Oh! oh! oh!  What will I do?  Don't glare at me like that, Therese, or
+I'll expire with fright!  I never offered you a payment, my dear; I said
+I couldn't pay.  I don't know what I said, but I never meant to make you
+angry!  If you don't forgive me this instant, I'll cry, and if I once
+start crying, I shall go on till to-morrow, and so I warn you!
+_Please_, Therese!"
+
+She held out her hand appealingly, but Mademoiselle still tilted her
+head, and kept up an air of offence.
+
+"My feelings are 'urt," she said with dignity, "and they can only be
+appeased if you withdraw your remarks, and promise that Pixie shall
+come.  You can pay for the lessons she takes, and the Paris
+Conservatoire will not ruin you, my dear, I can tell you that; but for
+the rest, do you suppose Pixie will do nothing for me in return for her
+board?  It is not too lively, a house with an invalid and an old maid,
+and they may perhaps be glad to have a young thing about; to be made to
+laugh sometimes and have some interest in life beyond rheumatism and
+asthma!  Do not disturb yourself; if you are too proud to accept help
+from me, be assured that I shall make the child useful.  She shall work
+for her living!"
+
+"You are pretending to be cross, to make me say `Yes,' but you needn't
+keep it up any longer, dear.  I'll say it with thankfulness this minute,
+if it is indeed a pleasure to you too.  I don't feel at all too proud to
+accept a favour from you, and besides, it seems as if Providence meant
+it to be so, and just the most wonderful and beautiful reason for your
+coming here, which seemed at first so extraordinary.  If you will really
+let us pay for her lessons and make her as useful as if she were your
+own little sister, why, then, thank you a thousand times, and a thousand
+times more for lifting a weight off my mind.  I was worrying myself
+about her future, and now I shall worry no more, and father will be so
+relieved, so happy!  Are you sufficiently appeased to let me kiss you,
+you haughty Mademoiselle?"
+
+"With pleasure; yes! but my feelings are still sensitive.  With the
+slightest irritation I should have a relapse!" said Mademoiselle
+stiffly; for it would not do to indulge in sentiment to-day, and
+Bridgie's tears were dangerously near the surface.
+
+The time for parting came at last, and the Major nerved himself to bid
+adieu to his piccaninny with a composure which should leave her
+unsuspicious of its final nature.  He was very white, but Pixie had
+grown accustomed to his pallor, and mingling with her grief at leaving
+home was a keen pleasure at the thought of returning to her school
+companions, of seeing Margaret and Ethel, of hearing Flora's fat,
+contented chuckle, and seeing poor Lottie, and hearing how she had fared
+at home.  It was all very interesting and exciting, and somehow or other
+home had been unusually dull during the last fortnight.  Even Esmeralda
+had turned quiet and mild, and Pat abandoned practical joking, and for
+once been as good as he looked.  The longing for some of the old
+mischievous days made Pixie listen to her father's precepts with a
+decided lack of enthusiasm.
+
+"You will be a good child now, piccaninny, and work hard at your tasks.
+Remember what I say to you, that you couldn't please me more than by
+being good and industrious, and obedient to your teachers.  I let you
+run wild too long, and that's made you behind other girls of your age,
+but you'll promise me that you will settle down, and make the most of
+your opportunities?"
+
+"I don't feel as if I wanted to `settle down.'  It sounds so dull!  Ye
+can work without being so awfully proper, can't you, father?  I can be a
+little mischievous sometimes, can't I--especially on half-holidays?
+I'll work all the better for it afterwards.  And the girls would be so
+disappointed if I were proper.  You wouldn't believe how I liven them
+up.  Ye wouldn't like it yourself, now, Major, if ye never saw any more
+of my pranks!"
+
+He winced at that, but smiled bravely, his eye resting longingly upon
+the thin little figure wriggling to and fro in the earnestness of its
+appeal.  With the remembrance of all that her brightness had been to
+him, he could not bring himself to forbid it to others.
+
+"Be as happy as you can, darling, and make other people happy too.  So
+long as you consider their feelings, and are careful not to go too far,
+you will do no harm.  Good-bye, my piccaninny!  God bless you!  Never
+mind if you are not clever.  Go on loving and making sunshine, and you
+will do a great work in the world.  Remember your old father when you
+get back among your new friends!"
+
+"I'll think of you for ever!" said Pixie solemnly.  "Haste and get well,
+Major, and come and take me out.  You must be getting tired of your bed,
+poor creature, but I'm glad you have no pain!  You won't be here long
+now."
+
+"No, not long," said the Major quietly.  Then he held up his lips to be
+kissed, murmuring the last, the very last words of farewell, "Good-bye,
+dearest.  Thank you for being such a good, loving little daughter!"
+
+"Thank you, me dear, for the father you have been to me!" returned
+Pixie, in a tone of gracious condescension which made the listener smile
+through his tears.  That was a sweet characteristic little speech to
+cherish as the last!  He shut his eyes in token of dismissal, and Pixie
+stole away, somewhat sobered and impressed, for the Major had not been
+given to improving an occasion, but free from the vaguest suspicion that
+she had bidden him her last farewell.
+
+Downstairs Esmeralda was waiting to drive the cart to the station, and
+at the station itself Mr Hilliard was standing ready to receive the
+travellers and make every preparation for their comfort.  No one seemed
+in the least surprised to see him, for in Jack's absence he had quietly
+taken upon himself the part of an elder son, and in every emergency had
+stepped forward and filled the gap so efficiently and with such tact
+that he seemed more like a friend of years' standing than an
+acquaintance of a few weeks.  His business in London had apparently been
+accomplished in a flying visit of forty-eight hours, during which time
+he had seen Jack, and eased anxiety by a personal report of the invalid,
+and here he was back again, declaring that there was no reason to keep
+him in town, and that if he could be of the slightest use at Bally
+William, there was no place in the world where he would sooner remain.
+Bridgie smiled to herself with quiet understanding, and Esmeralda grew
+thoughtful, and her white cheeks hung out a flag of welcome every time
+he made his appearance.
+
+To-day she made no objections to his proposal that they should walk back
+from the station, leaving a boy to drive the cart home during the
+afternoon, and they struck across the fields together, disregarding damp
+and mud with the callousness of true lovers of the country.  The girl's
+face was worn and downcast, for the Castle would seem sadder and emptier
+than ever, now that the little sister had gone and that dear, helpful
+Mademoiselle; and at nineteen it is hard to look forward and know for a
+certainty that the shadows must deepen.  There were still sadder times
+ahead, and a loneliness such as she dared not even imagine; for
+Esmeralda had not Bridgie's sweet faith and trust, and hers was a
+stormy, rebellious nature, which made trouble harder to bear by useless
+fightings against the inevitable.  Bridgie found a dozen reasons for
+thankfulness among all her distresses--the kindness of friends, the
+ceaseless attentions of the good old doctor, her father's freedom from
+pain, and the fact that he would be spared the dread of his lifetime--a
+separation from the old home.  Joan saw nothing but clouds and darkness,
+and tortured herself with useless questionings.  Why--why--why--why
+should all this trouble fall upon her?  Why should other girls have
+father and mother and money and opportunity, and she be deprived of all?
+Why should the accident have been allowed to happen when her father's
+life was of such value--such inestimable value to his young family?  Why
+should her life be darkened just at the time when she was most able to
+appreciate joy and gladness?
+
+Hilliard watched the clouds flit over the beautiful face, and was at no
+loss to understand their meaning.  During the last fortnight he had more
+than once been a witness to a storm of misery and rebellion, and apart
+from that fact he had an instinctive understanding of the girl's moods,
+which seemed all the more curious, as his own nature of happy optimism
+was as great a contrast to hers as could possibly be imagined.
+
+A smile flickered over his face as he reflected on the strangeness of
+his present position.  A month ago, if anyone had described to him the
+O'Shaughnessy sisters, he would have declared without a moment's
+hesitation that Bridgie would be his favourite--that in every way her
+character would be more attractive to him than that of Esmeralda.  Even
+now--even now, yes!--if the question were put plainly before him, he
+must still confess that "Saint Bridget" was sweeter, simpler, less
+wayward, more unselfish; yet in spite of all there remained the
+extraordinary fact that he liked Bridgie and loved Esmeralda with the
+whole strength of a warm and loving heart!  He saw her faults clearly
+enough with those keen, quizzical eyes; but what the sight roused in him
+was not so much disapproval as pity, and an immense longing to help and
+comfort.  He loved her; he understood her; he honestly believed he could
+help her to rise above the weaknesses of girlhood, and become the fine
+large-hearted woman which Providence had intended her to be; and the
+time had come when he intended to speak his mind and ask her to be his
+wife.  The silence had lasted so long that at last Joan herself became
+conscious of it, and roused herself to apologise for her rudeness.
+
+"But I'm miserable," she said simply.  "I can't remember to be polite.
+I was miserable last time when the Pixie left us, but now it is a
+hundred times worse.  I can't bear to think of going back to that big
+empty place, with that dreadful shadow coming nearer and nearer every
+day.  I am a coward, and can't face it!"
+
+"You are a very brave girl--one of the bravest I have known.  If anyone
+but yourself dared to call you cowardly, you would never forgive him!"
+
+"I know.  It's quite true.  I am brave physically, but I've never been
+tried in this way before, so I didn't know how weak I was.  It arises
+from selfishness, I suppose.  It's so hard to suffer like this."
+
+"No one can be selfish who loves another person more than himself.  I
+have never seen two sisters so devoted to each other as you and Miss
+Bridgie.  You will think of her before yourself, and try to help her,
+simply because you will not be able to help it!"
+
+"Darling Bridgie--yes, I do love her.  Who could help it?  She takes
+this trouble like the saint she is, and believes that it is God's will,
+and must be for the best.  I can't feel that--I can't!  It's against
+reason.  It's no use pretending that I do, for I should only be a
+hypocrite."
+
+"You have a different nature from your sister's.  It is more difficult
+for you to be resigned, and therefore all the more praiseworthy if you
+fight against your rebellious thoughts, and learn submission."
+
+The tears rose slowly to Joan's eyes, and she looked at him with a
+flickering smile.
+
+"It's no use talking to you.  You won't believe how wicked I am.  You
+make excuses for me all the time."
+
+"Because I love you, Joan, that's why!  Have you found that out for
+yourself?  I began to love you the first night I saw you, and I've been
+progressing rapidly ever since.  We have not known each other for long,
+as time goes, but so much has happened, and we have been thrown so much
+together, that we know each other as well as many acquaintances of
+years' standing.  My mind is made up, at any rate; there is no other
+girl in the world for me!  Do you think if you tried very hard, and I
+waited very patiently, you could possibly bring yourself to love me in
+return?"
+
+Esmeralda gazed at him with her wonderful grey eyes, not shyly, not
+self-consciously, but with slow, solemn deliberation.
+
+"I don't know," she said simply.  "I can't tell.  I like you very much;
+you have been very kind to us, and it does me good to talk to you, but
+that isn't enough, is it?  I don't know if I love you, but I love you to
+love me!  It comforts my heart, and makes me feel braver and less
+lonely.  Sometimes this last week--just once or twice when we have been
+alone--I have thought perhaps you did, and I hoped I was right.  I hoped
+I was not mistaken."
+
+"You darling!  Oh, you darling!" cried Hilliard rapturously.  "You do
+make me happy by telling me that.  That's all I want--the very best
+proof you could give me that you care for me too.  Don't you see, my
+beauty, that you must care, or you would not want my love?  Don't you
+see that you have been drawn to me, just as I have been drawn to you,
+and have felt the need of me, just as I have longed and wearied for you
+ever since we met?"
+
+He tried to take hold of her hand as he spoke, but Esmeralda drew back,
+refusing to be caressed.  She was trembling now, and her cheeks were
+flushed with the loveliest rosy blush, but there was an almost piteous
+appeal in her voice.
+
+"No, no!  I don't see, and I don't want to see.  My father is dying--he
+has only a little time to live, and I don't want to think of anything
+but him.  If it is as you say, there will be all my life after that, but
+I can't think of love-making and being happy just the very last weeks we
+shall have him with us.  You mustn't be vexed; you mustn't think me
+ungrateful.  Indeed, indeed I can't help it!"
+
+"Vexed!" echoed Hilliard.  "Ungrateful!"  His glance was eloquent enough
+to show how far such words were from expressing his real feelings; and
+indeed, if it had been possible to love Esmeralda more dearly than he
+did, he would have done so at this moment, when she had shown him the
+reality of the generous nature which lay beneath her girlish
+extravagances, "You are absolutely and perfectly right, dearest," he
+said warmly, "and I promise you faithfully that I will not try in any
+way to absorb your attention so long as your father lives.  But after
+that, Esmeralda, (I may call you Esmeralda, mayn't I?  Dear, charming,
+ridiculous name--I love it, it is so deliciously characteristic!) after
+that you must let me take my right place as your chief helper and
+comforter.  I won't be put off any longer, and I think I shall be able
+to do more for you than anyone else."
+
+"I believe you would, but--" Esmeralda looked at him beneath a troubled,
+puckered brow--"please understand exactly what you are doing!  We are
+dreadfully poor--we shall be poorer than ever after father's death.  If
+I marry I shall not have a penny; for what little there is will be
+needed, and more than needed, for Bridgie and the children.  It would be
+rather hard on you, for, as you are not rich yourself, you ought to
+marry a rich wife."
+
+"The same argument would apply to you, wouldn't it?  Are you quite sure
+that you would not mind marrying a poor man, and that you would be
+willing to give up luxuries for my sake?"
+
+"If I cared enough in other ways, it would not be money that would
+prevent me, but I should not like to be _very_ poor!" returned Esmeralda
+honestly.  "I've had a taste of it, you see, and it is so dull to be
+always worried about butchers' bills, and not be able to have nice
+puddings because of the eggs, and to have to turn your dresses over and
+over again.  I've never once in my life bought a thing because I liked
+it best.  I've always had to think that it was cheaper than the others,
+and I must make it do.  I suppose men can't realise how hard that is,
+for they need so much less, and their things are so much alike; but it's
+hard to know for certain that you could look just twice as nice, and
+have to put up with the frumpy things, because you have no money to pay
+for the pretty ones!"
+
+"Could you look twice as nice as you do now--really?"  Hilliard laughed
+with happy incredulity.  "Esmeralda, I don't believe it; but if you
+marry me you shall try!  I am not so poor that I cannot afford to be a
+little extravagant for my wife, and I promise you faithfully that you
+shall never be worried about the bills.  I'll protect you from that, and
+every other trouble, I hope, my darling!"
+
+"It--it seems to me we are getting on very fast.  I thought I said that
+nothing was decided.  Oh, please talk of something else!" cried
+Esmeralda urgently; and Hilliard laughed once more, and obediently
+discussed the weather until the Castle gates were reached.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.
+
+A TELEGRAM.
+
+It was six weeks later that the girls in Holly House heard a sharp,
+wailing cry from within the portals of Miss Phipps's private room, and
+looked at each other with eyes of sympathetic understanding.  The
+knowledge that Pixie's father was seriously ill had leaked out among the
+elder pupils, and this afternoon, as they returned from their walk, a
+telegraph boy had met them in the drive, and Mademoiselle had turned
+pale and muttered below her breath.  Miss Phipps called her aside on
+entering, and at tea-time there were unmistakable tear-marks round her
+eyes, and she was even more affectionate than usual in her manner to
+Pixie,--poor, unconscious Pixie, who was in radiant spirits, and quite
+puffed up with pride because she had suddenly remembered a favourite
+exploit as practised at Knock Castle, and had issued invitations to the
+fifth-form to come to the classroom before tea and play the part of
+spectators, while she made a circuit of the room without touching the
+ground.
+
+"Without--touching--the--ground!  Pixie O'Shaughnessy, are you
+demented?" demanded Flora incredulously.  "You can't fly, I suppose?
+Then how on earth could you get round a room without touching the
+floor?"
+
+"Come with me, me dear, and you shall see," returned Pixie graciously,
+and forthwith led the way into the big, bare room.  There was no class
+being held at the time, so that the performer and her friends were the
+only persons present; the chairs were neatly ranged beside the desks,
+the matches and vases of spills which usually graced the mantelpiece
+were placed together on a corner bracket, otherwise no article had been
+moved from its place.  Pixie sprang lightly on to a chair near the door,
+kissed her hand after the manner of the lady riders at the circus, and
+started off on her mad career.
+
+From one chair to another, from chair number two to the shelf of the old
+bookcase which filled the middle space of the wall; from the bookcase,
+with a leap and a bound, on to the oak chest in which were stored
+drawing-books and copies; from the chest to another chair, and thence
+with a whoop and wildly waving hands to the end of an ordinary wooden
+form.  Why that form did not collapse at once, and land the invader on
+the floor, no one of the spectators could understand!  Flora gave a
+hollow groan and leant against the wall in palpitating nervousness; Kate
+shut her eyes, and Ethel pinched Margaret's arm with unconscious
+severity; but, after all, nothing happened!  With instantaneous
+quickness Pixie had fallen forward on her knees, and so restored the
+bench to its normal position; and now she was off again with another
+kiss, another flourish, another whisk of those absurd short petticoats.
+Providentially there was a table close at hand which she could mount
+without difficulty, and so bring herself to the completion of the first
+half of her task, but the harder part was still to come.
+
+It was easy enough to run along the blackboard, but what about that
+space between it and the shelves at the other side of the fireplace?
+"She can't do it!" cried Ethel confidently; but Pixie had not made her
+boast without counting the cost.  What if there was no article of
+furniture within reach, there was a shelf overhead to which one could
+cling and work slowly along hand over hand until the coal-box offered a
+friendly footing!  Then, when one had been accustomed to climb trees all
+one's life, what could be easier than to rest the elbows on the
+mantelpiece, and with the aid of one foot pressed lightly on that fat,
+substantial bell, (horrors! suppose it rang!) to wriggle upward until
+knees joined elbows, and a perpendicular position was once more
+possible!  The gasps and groans from the doorway were even more
+encouraging than applause, and under their influence it was impossible
+to resist indulging in a few extravagances, such as standing poised on
+one leg, blowing more kisses, and bowing from side to side after the
+manner of that fascinating circus lady.  Another bound sent her lightly
+on to the one substantial chair which the room possessed--Miss Phipps's
+seat when she came to take a class.  It rocked, of course, but to
+balance it was child's play, compared with the really difficult feat
+with the form, and for the rest of the course the way was easy.  Anyone
+could have run along the substantial dumb waiter, stepped down to the
+chair by its side, and so, with a leap, to the one from which the start
+had been made.  Pixie stopped, panting, gasping, and smirking at her
+companions, expectant of adulation, but there was more reproach than
+praise in store.
+
+"You are mad!" cried Ethel shortly.  "Stark, staring mad!  No thanks to
+you that every bone in your body isn't broken.  I wonder what Miss
+Phipps would have said if she had come in, while you were pirouetting on
+the mantelpiece!  It would have been your turn to be surprised then, my
+young friend."
+
+"I n-n-never did see such a sight in all my born days," stuttered Flora
+blankly.  "You've made me feel quite ill.  My heart is pumping like an
+engine.  I thought every moment you would be killed.  I call it mean and
+unkind to ask us to look on, while you play such tricks, for you know
+very well we should be blamed if anything went wrong!  I'll never come
+again, so you needn't trouble to ask me!"
+
+"Pixie dear, it really is most dangerous!  You might have sprained your
+ankle a dozen times over.  Promise me, promise me faithfully, that you
+will never do it again!" pleaded Margaret gently; but Pixie shook her
+head in obstinate fashion.
+
+"Me dear, don't ask me!  I'll tell you no stories.  I've done it a dozen
+times at home, and so have Bridgie and Esmeralda.  It was a fine
+handicap we had one night, boys against girls, and Bridgie the winner,
+being so light on her feet.  You wouldn't wish to forbid what my own
+family approves."  She drew herself up with an air of dignity as she
+pronounced the last words, and skipped out of the room, as the quickest
+way of closing the argument; but when tea-time arrived she was still
+abeam with complacency, and pleasantly conscious of being the object of
+an unusual amount of attention.  The girls all looked at her and smiled
+so kindly when they met her eye; jam and scones were pressed upon her
+from half a dozen different quarters; Mademoiselle called her
+"_cherie_," and even Miss Phipps said "dear."  "Are you having a good
+tea, dear?"  "Won't you have another cup of tea, dear?"  It was all very
+pleasant and gratifying, and she felt convinced that the fame of her
+exploit had spread over the school, and that even the teachers had been
+unable to resist it.
+
+She was strutting out of the dining-room at the conclusion of the meal,
+when Miss Phipps laid a hand on her shoulder and said, "Come into my
+room, Pixie," and a moment later she stood within the boudoir, staring
+around with wide, astonished eyes.  Mademoiselle had followed, and was
+twisting her hands together, trying vainly not to cry.  Miss Phipps
+looked at her and made a little signal, but Mademoiselle only shook her
+head, and held out her hands with a helpless gesture, and then Miss
+Phipps began to speak herself, in such a gentle voice--a voice quite
+different from her usual brisk, decided accents.
+
+"Pixie dear, I have something to tell you.  God has been very kind to
+the dear father whom you love so much.  He saw that he could never be
+well again--never able to move about, nor walk, nor ride, as he had done
+before, and instead of leaving him to lie helpless upon his bed for long
+weary years, as so many poor sufferers have had to do, He took him home
+at once, and made him well and strong again.  You must not think of your
+father as dead, Pixie.  He is alive and happy in heaven!"
+
+But it was too early for the dead man's child to realise that beautiful
+truth, and Pixie burst into a passion of grief, and the girls without
+heard the long pitiful wails and nestled close to each other and sobbed
+in sympathy.
+
+Miss Phipps talked on and on, saying comforting words in that new sweet
+voice, and Mademoiselle put her arms fondly round the little figure and
+said--
+
+"You will be brave, _cherie_.  You are always brave!  All the
+O'Shaughnessys are brave--your Bridgie told me so, and said it was the
+pride of the family!  You will not be the first to act like a coward.
+No!"  But the shock was too sudden to be borne with resignation.
+
+"We haven't got any family now!  How can you have a family without a
+father?  He wouldn't have died if I had been at home.  He was always
+cheerful when I was with him, and he said himself I was better than a
+doctor.  Oh, Major, Major!  Oh, Bridgie, Bridgie!  Me heart's broken!
+Me heart's broken!"
+
+Pixie wept and wailed, and presently Miss Phipps stopped trying to
+console, and let her weep her fill, knowing well that the noisy grief is
+never the most lasting, and that when the first passion was exhausted
+she would be more ready for comfort.  She had purposely delayed telling
+the sad news until tea was over, and presently it would be time for bed,
+when the sleep of childhood would drop its soothing curtain over grief.
+Pixie lay on the sofa, and cried until her face was swollen and she was
+too exhausted to cry any longer, and Miss Phipps was just about to
+propose a move to bed when, to her amazement, the child suddenly put her
+feet to the ground, sat up, and said faintly--
+
+"I want to see the girls!"
+
+Well, after all, it was a natural request, for the bent of a lifetime
+does not change in moments of grief, and Pixie was a sociable little
+creature, who must needs have someone in whom to confide on every
+occasion.  Miss Phipps realised as much, and also that companions of her
+own age would be better comforters than the teachers, between whom and
+the pupils there was naturally a great gulf fixed; so she assented at
+once, saying only--
+
+"I will come for you in ten minutes.  You must not stay downstairs
+longer than that," and Pixie feebly tottered across the hall to the room
+where the elder girls were sitting.  She chose to join them rather than
+the pupils of her own age, for, as she had previously explained, she had
+been accustomed to "grown-ups" at home, and felt more interest in their
+society.  The girls raised their heads with starts of surprise as she
+entered, and came slowly forward to seat herself in a chair.  They
+stared at her with melancholy eyes, but there was a dead silence, for no
+one knew what to say or how to say it, so they sat in a row facing her,
+and Pixie blinked and trembled, and screwed her fingers together in a
+tight little knot.
+
+"I'm an orphan!" she said faintly, and five separate sobs of sympathy
+sounded as replies.
+
+"Poor little kid!" said Kate gruffly.
+
+"D-arling!" sobbed Flora.
+
+"But we all love you, Pixie!  Everyone loves you!  You can't be lonely,
+dear, when you have so many friends," said Margaret's soft voice; and a
+hand stretched out and clutched hers in convulsive energy.  It was
+Lottie's hand, and Lottie's face was trembling as if she were going to
+cry, and a pulse on her temple was beating up and down, Pixie looked at
+her curiously, and realised that, sorry as the others were, she was
+somehow sorriest of all, and most anxious to comfort.  Lottie had been
+much subdued and silent since the beginning of the term, and had seemed,
+if anything, to avoid the society of the girl whom she had treated so
+badly, but with her fine intuition Pixie had understood quite well that
+the avoidance arose from no lack of affection.  She held Lottie's hand
+in a tight pressure while she continued her broken sentences.
+
+"And I didn't know he was going to die.  They never told me.  Miss
+Phipps says they didn't want me to be unhappy, but I'd rather have
+known.  He wasn't like other people's fathers.  They are old, with grey
+hair; he was young--like a boy, and so handsome and gay.  He always
+laughed, even if things went wrong, and I was the youngest, and he
+wouldn't have me thwarted.  No one ever appreciated me like the Major.
+The very last words he spoke were praising me and saying what a daughter
+I'd been!"
+
+"When you said `Good-bye,' you mean.  That's good to think of, isn't it,
+Pixie?  He knew he would never see you again, and that afterwards you
+would remember all he said, and treasure it in your heart, and the
+sweetest thing of all is to know that you were a joy and pleasure to
+him.  It is a comfort to think that he is well again, isn't it?  Quite
+well and happy in heaven!"
+
+"I want him on earth!" said Pixie, and the tears flowed down her cheeks.
+"We all want him.  What is to become of us without our father?  I feel
+as if I could never be happy again, but he said I must be.  `Be as happy
+as you can,' he said, `and make other people happy too.  Never trouble a
+bit about your lessons, but go on loving and making sunshine, and you'll
+do a great work in the world.'  Those were the very last words I heard
+him speak."
+
+It was a somewhat free translation, so far as lessons were concerned,
+and the girls realised as much, being accustomed to Pixie and her ways,
+but they allowed that part of the story to pass without comment, and
+referred only to what was obviously a literal repetition.
+
+"Well, then, of course, you must obey his last words!  It would not be
+like a good daughter if you didn't.  You must go on loving us, and
+making us happy, and we shall all be wretched if we see you fretting.
+You do make us happy, you know, Pixie!  We have been ever so much
+livelier since you came.  I think it ought to cheer anyone to know that
+she can make thirty-three people happy, don't you, now?"
+
+"Can I--can I really?"  Pixie inquired wistfully.  "I'm glad of that,
+and I will try, but I can't help fretting a little first!  I don't think
+the Major would like it if I didn't fret for him."  And at this moment
+Miss Phipps came into the room and put an end to the conference.
+
+"I can't let you sit up a moment longer, you weary little girl!  Say
+`Good-night' at once, and one of the girls shall go upstairs with you,
+and help you to undress.  Which will you have?"
+
+Pixie looked from one to the other of her companions with uncertain
+gaze.  Where everyone was so kind it was hard to choose.  Ethel had not
+tossed her head once since she entered the room; Kate kept taking off
+her spectacles, and polishing them on her handkerchief; Flora looked so
+kind and comfortable; the "Bridgie's expression" was stronger than ever
+in Margaret's eyes; but there was a something in Lottie's face--a
+humble, wistful longing which was to be found nowhere else.
+
+"Lottie, please!" she cried quickly; and the other girls realised at
+once that the cure had begun, for Pixie was already forgetting herself,
+and considering how she could make other people happy!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY NINE.
+
+THE SISTERS' VISIT.
+
+Pixie did not go home for the Easter holidays, for everything at the
+Castle was so sad and unsettled that Bridgie felt it advisable that she
+should stay away a little longer, and an invitation from Mr and Mrs
+Vane came as a happy alternative.
+
+On the whole she spent a happy three weeks, thoroughly enjoying the
+luxury of her surroundings and the attention lavished upon her by every
+member of the household.  Mr Vane still remained grey and serious, but
+he was unfailingly kind; while his wife belonged to the type designated
+by schoolgirls as "simple darlings," and seemed to find no greater
+pleasure in life than in making young people happy.  It was evident that
+they were both devoted to their only remaining child, though there was a
+reserve in their manner which seemed to Irish Pixie perilously allied to
+coldness.  She was all unconscious that her own fearless intimacy of
+manner made a precedent for little demonstrations of affection which had
+hitherto been unknown in the household; but so it was, and her host and
+hostess felt that they owed her a second debt of gratitude, whenever
+Lottie volunteered a caress, or added a second kiss to the morning
+greeting.  Perhaps, in their determination to overcome their daughter's
+faults, they had erred on the side of firmness, and so brought about
+another temptation in the girl's terror of discovery; and if this were
+so, what better instrument could have been found to draw them together
+than fearless, loving, audacious Pixie?
+
+When the time came to return to school, she received many pressing
+invitations to return to a home where she would always be welcome, and
+was able truthfully to assure the girls at Holly House that Lottie had
+been "an angel" to her throughout the holidays.
+
+After that the ordinary routine went on for a few weeks, broken by
+nothing more exciting than the weekly letters from home; then came an
+episode of thrilling interest, when Geoffrey Hilliard was shown into the
+drawing-room, and Miss O'Shaughnessy summoned from her class and sent
+upstairs to brush her hair, before going to interview him.  He was
+leaning against the mantelpiece as she entered, looking very tall and
+handsome in his long frock coat, and he was smiling to himself with a
+curious shiny look in his eyes, which at once arrested Pixie's
+attention.
+
+"How are you, Pixie?  How are you, dear little girl?" he cried
+gushingly.
+
+Pixie remarked that she was in excellent health, privately not a little
+taken aback by his fervour.  "He seems mighty fond of me, all of a
+sudden.  Over at Bally William he didn't care half so much.  I suppose
+he missed me, after I'd gone!"  She smiled at him encouragingly.  "And
+you are looking very well yourself.  I'm pleased to see you!"
+
+"I am very well, Pixie.  Happiness agrees with me.  I'm very happy--the
+happiest man in the world!  Do you know why?  I am going to be married.
+I came on purpose to tell you.  Can you guess who `She' is?"
+
+"How could I guess?  I don't know your friends.  There's no one at all
+that it could be, unless, perhaps--"
+
+Pixie stopped short suddenly, as certain memories darted into her mind.
+The extraordinary manner in which Mr Hilliard was always appearing at
+Knock Castle during the Christmas holidays; his interest in everything
+Esmeralda did and said; the fixity of his gaze upon the beautiful face.
+She gasped and blinked with surprise.  "Not--_not_ Esmeralda?"
+
+"Yes, yes, yes!  Esmeralda, of course!  Clever girl to guess so well!
+It was settled only last Wednesday, and she sent me across to tell you
+first thing, and ask your consent, as she couldn't be properly engaged
+without it.  You see this is an important matter for me, so you really
+must be kind, for I can't give up Esmeralda, after waiting for her so
+long.  Will you have me for another brother, and let me do all I can to
+make you happy?"
+
+"I'm glad it isn't Bridgie," sighed Pixie irrelevantly; then, fearing
+that she had failed in politeness, "But Esmeralda is nice too," she
+added quickly.  "She can't help having a temper, but she won't show it
+to you, like she did to her brothers and sisters.  And she _is_
+beautiful!  I've seen photographs of people they call beautiful here,
+and they are frights compared with her.  I suppose I can have her room
+after she's married!  It's got one of the turret windows, and I always
+wanted it because of the view.  I hope you will be happy, Mr Hilliard.
+It was very kind of you to come and tell me.  I'll write and ask
+Esmeralda if I may be a bridesmaid."
+
+Hilliard laughed, and muttered something about "sisterly candour."  He
+did not seem in the least alarmed at the thought of Esmeralda's temper,
+and settled the bridesmaid question there and then with the utmost
+confidence.
+
+"Of course you shall be bridesmaid.  The wedding will be in the summer
+holidays, but you will see your sisters before then.  You knew, of
+course, that they were trying to let the Castle for a few years, until
+Jack makes his fortune, and goes back to live there himself.  Well, I am
+glad to say a tenant has been found through a lawyer, and that
+everything is satisfactorily arranged.  He takes possession on the first
+of September, and Bridgie is coming to live in London with Jack and the
+boys, in a nice little flat, where you can spend your holidays.  She
+said I was to tell you that, and to say that you were not to fret for
+the Castle, for you would see much more of each other than if she had
+remained over there.  She is coming to town in summer to look for the
+flat, and Esmeralda is coming too, to buy fineries for the wedding, and
+then we will all return to Ireland and have a quiet little wedding, and
+you shall keep Bridgie company when I carry Esmeralda away.  That's the
+summer programme.  I hope you approve!"
+
+"I hate the man who's coming to Knock," said Pixie sadly; "but I am glad
+Bridgie will be near, and it will be lovely on holidays.  It must feel
+strange to live in a flat; like being in a cage.  I am sorry for the
+people beneath, when the boys get romping round.  If I were Bridgie, I'd
+take a house, and then we could make as much noise as we liked.  It's no
+use pretending that we are a quiet family, because we're not.  You might
+think it was an army, to hear us tramp downstairs!"
+
+"I--I think myself that a house would be more suitable!" said Hilliard,
+smiling his humorous twisted smile; then he asked to see Mademoiselle,
+and when he said to her in her turn that he had a piece of news to
+impart, she nodded her head gaily, and cried, "So, so!  I 'ope you will
+be very 'appy!" and could not be induced to say that she was in the
+least surprised.  Pixie hoped that none of the girls would ask about the
+new brother's business; for, after boasting of possible dukes, it was
+really rather humiliating to come down to glue!  What a comfort that
+Lottie had turned over a new leaf, and abandoned her snobbish,
+inquisitive questionings!
+
+After that it was a case of counting the days until the arrival of the
+sisters, and Pixie's companions were almost as excited as herself at the
+prospect of seeing the much-talked-of Bridgie and Esmeralda in the
+flesh.  Miss Joan announced her intention of taking advantage of the
+July sales to buy her trousseau--a delightful arrangement, for by the
+time that dressmakers had done their work the holidays would begin, so
+that the girls could be present at the great breaking-up festival, and
+afterwards act as companions on the journey home.  Pixie's elastic
+spirits went up with a bound, and every week they grew higher and
+higher, until at last it became a question of days, and Bridgie's letter
+must needs be addressed to Jack's lodgings instead of Knock Castle, for
+by the time it was delivered the dear visitors would have arrived in
+town.
+
+"Please come to see me soon," ran the letter, "and be sure to look your
+nicest, because of the girls!  They all want to see you, and I've told
+them such lots about you.  Please ask Miss Phipps to let me come out
+often.  Wednesday is the best day, because it's half-holiday, only I
+should like other days better, because I should get off prep.  Please
+wear your best clothes!"
+
+The two sisters laughed heartily over this missive, but Pixie's word was
+law, and as usual they obeyed her instructions to the letter.  A
+telegram was sent off next morning to announce the hour in the afternoon
+at which they hoped to call, and the morning was spent to such good
+purpose that two most elegant and fashionable-looking young ladies drove
+up to Holly House shortly before four o'clock.  The third-form girls
+were, to a man, peeping through the curtains of their classroom; Ethel
+had left her music in the drawing-room, and rushed downstairs to reclaim
+it the moment the door-bell rang; Kate suddenly felt it impossible to
+live without a clean handkerchief, and on her way upstairs waited round
+the corner of the hall until she could meet the visitors face to face;
+Flora peeped through the banisters, and snored so loudly in her
+excitement that she was in instant danger of discovery; and Pixie rushed
+like a whirlwind from the top of the house, and flung herself into
+Bridgie's arms.
+
+They hugged and kissed, and kissed and hugged again, and fell apart to
+gaze with eyes that suddenly brimmed with tears.  No need to ask the
+cause!  The remembrance of the Major was in each heart, but Bridgie
+dried her eyes, and said, as if answering the unspoken lament--
+
+"But we have so much to be thankful for!  Such a splendid let for the
+Castle, and Jack so good, trying to find work for the boys, and Geoffrey
+like another brother, and Esmeralda so happy."
+
+No question about that!  Esmeralda was radiant, more beautiful than
+ever, and astonishingly grand.  So was Bridgie!  The little sister gazed
+from one to the other with kindling eyes.  Black dresses with tails to
+them; fluffy gauze boas with ends floating to the knees; hats that were
+not hats, but crinkled, brimless things like the Surbiton ladies wore in
+the afternoons, and so light and gauzy that they might have been blown
+away with a breath.
+
+"You _are_ fine!" she gasped, and the girls laughed and cried merrily.
+
+"We had our instructions, you see!  We dared not come down until we had
+bought new hats and gloves; and we put on our very best clothes for the
+girls' benefit."
+
+"And jewellery!" added Esmeralda; and Pixie looked at her with an even
+more critical scrutiny.  There was a little diamond brooch sparkling
+among the laces at her throat.  "Geoffrey gave me that!"  There was a
+gold bangle round her wrist, with a heart-shaped locket dangling from
+the clasp.  "Geoffrey gave me that!"  There was a dainty little watch
+pinned on to her dress.  "Geoffrey gave me that!"
+
+"Deary me," quoth Pixie at last, "it must be rather nice being engaged."
+
+"It is, my dear.  Quite nice!  And he gave us these boas too,--insisted
+upon buying them when he came shopping with us this morning.  He said
+boas were the fashionable thing, and he really dared not allow us to
+face `the girls' without them.  He is very extravagant, but he says he
+will only be engaged once, and after we are married he will be as
+careful as I like.  It was through his lawyer that we found our tenant.
+Geoffrey told him about the place, and it seemed that it was just
+exactly what a client had been wanting.  We have not seen him yet, but
+he is tremendously interested in old places, and is going to spend a lot
+of money putting things into repair, which, of course, is a very good
+thing for us.  He has taken it for ten years, and by the end of the
+lease Jack hopes he may be able to go back himself, for part of the
+year, at any rate.  It is hard to leave Knock, but not so hard as we
+expected, for I am to be married, and the rest of you will be together,
+and able to enjoy seeing the sights, and all the fun and bustle of town
+life."
+
+"And it will be so good for the boys!  They were idling away their time,
+but now they will have to set to work in earnest to make their way in
+the world.  It will be the making of them, so even if we do feel
+homesick at times it will be a light price to pay for their good," said
+Bridgie hastily, for the tears were beginning to rise again in Pixie's
+eyes at the thought of leaving the dear old home.  "Dear me, I am
+longing to see `the girls'!  Aren't we going to see `the girls'?  What
+is the use of our dressing up like this if we are not to see `the
+girls'?"
+
+"Come along!  Come along!  Miss Phipps said I was to take you round
+before she came in to give you tea.  Come along, and see them now,"
+cried Pixie, prancing to the door with eager steps, and forgetting
+everything else in the excitement of the coming introduction, as it had
+been intended that she should do.  Bridgie and Joan followed close
+behind, smiling in anticipation; but it was rather an embarrassing
+occasion, when the door of the big classroom was thrown open, and
+fifteen girls rose to their feet and stood staring with unblinking eyes,
+while Fraulein smiled and bowed from the end of the long table.  Bridgie
+wanted to say something graceful and appropriate, but could only blush,
+and smile, and stammer feebly.  "Oh-h!  How do you do?  Is there anyone
+here that I know by name?  Flora--Margaret--Kate?  Are any of your
+special friends here, Pixie?  Please introduce me."
+
+"That's Flora!" said Pixie, pointing barefacedly across the room.  "The
+fat one.  Kate is next to Fraulein--with specs.  Margaret is having her
+music lesson.  That's Ethel in the middle, with the frizzy hair.  This
+is my sister Bridgie that I've told you about."
+
+The faces of the girls thus singled out for special notice were wooden
+in stolidity.  Not a flicker of animation lit up their features; they
+stood like pokers staring blankly before them, as if they had heard no
+word of what was passing, and poor Bridgie murmured more disconnected
+nothings, while Esmeralda looked from one to the other with her haughty,
+patronising smile.  It was quite a relief when the door was shut, and
+the presence of Mademoiselle in classroom number two insured one
+listener at least who would speak in reply.  The greeting was a warm one
+on both sides, but conversation was deferred until tea-time, when
+Mademoiselle had been asked to join the party in the drawing-room, and
+after just a minute's wait a move was made upstairs to the room where
+Pixie slept.  Here there were photographs to exhibit, and a number of
+tiny ornaments which had been gifts from other girls.
+
+"Ethel gave me that the day that I was ill.--Fanny bought me that when
+she went out for the day.  It cost threepence.  Wasn't it dear?  Dora
+Ellis and Vera Knowles clubbed together and bought me that at the
+bazaar.  It's supposed to be for matches.  I am going to give it to Jack
+at Christmas.  That's Ethel's mother!  She is really awfully nice,
+though you wouldn't think so.  That's Flora's little brother.  Isn't he
+like Mellin's Food?  Ethel has silver brushes.  I wish I might have
+silver things.  She is awfully proud of her dressing-table.  If I stand
+on my pillow I can just see over the curtain between our beds.  I
+painted eyes on my forehead one night, and tied my hair round it.  It
+looked lovely,--just like a monkey! and then I crept up quietly, and put
+it over for Ethel to see.  She did howl!  Shall we go downstairs now?
+You'll have a scrumptious tea.  Visitors always do.  That's one reason
+why it's so nice having them coming to see you."
+
+Miss Phipps and Mademoiselle were waiting in the drawing-room, and, to
+the amusement of her sisters, Pixie became a model of decorum the moment
+she entered their presence, and handed about cake and tea in the most
+staid and deliberate fashion.  To see her stand with her heels drawn
+neatly together in the first position; to hear her demure, "Yes, Miss
+Phipps!"  "No, Miss Phipps!" was almost too much for Esmeralda's
+composure, and she was glad to leave the house with the promise of
+having Pixie to spend a long day in town at the beginning of the
+following week, while that young lady herself was so eager to return to
+her companions and hear their criticisms on her visitors that she bore
+the parting with wonderful resignation.
+
+Fortunately for all, approval was unanimous, and the girls declared in a
+breath that never, no never, had they seen anyone so "simply sweet" as
+Bridgie, so "frightfully pretty" as Esmeralda.  Bridgie was a darling;
+her eyes were so kind and loving and sorry for you, and didn't she look
+an angel when she smiled?  Esmeralda was like a queen; they could quite
+imagine that she had a temper, but when she laughed she had the sweetest
+dimples!  Did her hair curl naturally?  Fancy!  She was really and truly
+like a picture, and not a bit like a person who was alive.  Didn't they
+look ducks together--one so fair, and one so dark?  So on, and so on,
+until Pixie was one big beam of joy and contentment.
+
+During the next fortnight Pixie spent no less than three days with her
+sisters, and had the felicity of helping to choose the little house, in
+which they were to begin the new life.  After an inspection of various
+flats Bridgie was quite of one mind with her youngest sister in
+believing that either they themselves or every other tenant in the
+building would have to give notice within a week of their arrival.  It
+was so preposterous to think of creeping on tiptoe in consideration for
+your neighbours below, and speaking in hushed tones because of your
+neighbours above, while, in spite of high rents, the passages seemed so
+cramped, oh, so painfully cramped and narrow!  Even a little house was a
+castle, comparatively speaking; and in due time one was found which
+promised to be healthy and convenient, and was put in the hands of
+painters and paper-hangers to be ready for the removal in autumn.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTY.
+
+THE PRIZE IS WON.
+
+When the breaking-up gathering was held, Pixie was proud indeed, for if
+other girls had fathers and mothers present, she had two sisters and
+Jack and Geoffrey Hilliard into the bargain, and there was no doubt that
+they were the handsomest and most attractive of all the guests.  There
+was only one drawback to her happiness, and that was that there was no
+chance of being called forward to receive a prize, and so cover herself
+with glory.  She devoutly hoped that the class lists might not be read
+aloud, to betray how very, very near the bottom she was to be found, and
+heaved a deep sigh of relief when little Beatrice Ferrars marched up to
+receive her certificate, and so end the list of honours.  But it
+appeared that it was not quite finished, for Miss Phipps rose to her
+feet and began to speak amid a general murmur of excitement.
+
+"We now come to perhaps the most interesting item on our programme--the
+bestowal of a prize by the girls themselves, instead of by the teachers.
+For the benefit of those who have not been present at one of these
+gatherings before, I must briefly explain that this prize consists of
+five pounds to be expended in books, and is the gift of the father of
+one of the pupils.  Its object is to encourage among the girls a spirit
+of kindliness and consideration, a readiness to hold out a helping hand,
+to assist another to overcome a weakness, and, in short, to _befriend_,
+in the best sense of the word.  The prize is given once a year at the
+end of the summer term, and, as I have said, is awarded by the vote of
+the girls themselves.  As they have the best opportunity of judging, it
+is only right that the decision should come from them, and it is
+pleasant to know that this year at least there is absolute unanimity
+among them.  I have gone over your voting papers, girls, and have
+pleasure in telling you that, with the natural exception of the winner
+herself, the same name was given by all.  There is one girl who,
+whatever may be her faults and shortcomings, has never failed to show
+the most generous and unselfish friendship, one girl who has put her own
+interests aside and been content to suffer for the sake of others, one
+girl who has ever been on the watch to do a kindly act or speak a loving
+word, a girl whom everyone loves, who counts every member of the
+household among her admirers, and that girl's name is--"
+
+She paused and looked smilingly at her pupils, and on the instant came
+the loud answering cry.  The girls waved their hands in the air, they
+drummed on the ground with their feet.  "Pixie!" they cried, "Pixie
+O'Shaughnessy!" and "Pixie!" once again, "Bravo, Pixie!"  "Three cheers
+for Pixie!" until they were hoarse with shouting, and Miss Phipps held
+up her hand for silence.
+
+It was really a most exciting scene.  Every eye was riveted on Pixie
+herself, who had applauded as violently as her companions when Miss
+Phipps first asked her question, and whose shrill cry of "Margaret!
+Margaret!" had been frozen on her lips by the sound of her own name.
+There she sat with her mouth agape, too much overcome by surprise to
+have any thought for appearances, and there sat Bridgie looking on and
+crying copiously with happiness, and Esmeralda blinking the tears away
+and laughing furtively at Jack, who was grunting to himself, "Silly
+fuss!  Silly fuss!" and putting on a great appearance of boredom to
+distract attention from the tears on his eyelashes.  There sat Mr and
+Mrs Vane, too, beaming with pleasure that their prize should have gone
+to Pixie of all people, and Lottie rubbing her hands and growing
+hysterical in delight.  Then Pixie was marched up to the desk to be
+presented with the envelope containing the crisp new note, and when she
+had taken it she must needs turn round and face the audience, instead of
+scuttling back to her seat in abashed, self-conscious fashion like other
+girls, and even address a word of acknowledgment for the applause
+bestowed upon her.  "I'm very much obliged to ye!" she said in the
+broadest of Irish accents, and all the fathers and mothers lay back in
+their chairs and laughed until they were tired, and clapped so
+enthusiastically that it was a marvel that their beautiful light kid
+gloves did not split an halves.
+
+In the drawing-room afterwards Pixie was quite the heroine of the
+occasion, and was greeted on all sides, and warmly congratulated on her
+success.  Mr and Mrs Vane asked especially to be introduced to Bridgie
+and her party, and eventually sat down an the same corner to partake of
+tea.  Pixie could not hear all that they said, but they looked at her as
+they spoke, and their faces were very kindly, so that she was pleasantly
+conscious of being the subject of conversation.  Then Mrs Vane began to
+speak of the contemplated removal to town, and made many kind offers of
+help and hospitality, while her husband put in a word about the dear old
+Castle.
+
+"Your sister showed me some photographs when she was with us, and I was
+much impressed by them.  It is a fine old place, and I can understand
+your attachment to it.  You are fortunate to have secured such a good
+tenant.  Curiously enough, I was mentioning your name to my lawyer, who
+was dining with me the other night, and he told me he had negotiated the
+lease for your new tenant.  The young fellow is able to pay for his
+hobbies, and is evidently keen on putting the place in repair.  It is
+not every day that a millionaire comes to the rescue just when he is
+wanted, but this Mr Hilliard certainly seems the right man in the right
+place.  Wonderful what glue can accomplish, isn't it, Miss
+O'Shaughnessy? it makes one almost wish to be in trade oneself!"
+
+Jack was wont to say in later years that he had never admired Bridgie
+more than at this moment of surprise and shock.  She turned white, it
+was true, but her voice was as calm as usual, and the manner in which
+she replied so full of quiet dignity, that neither then nor at any other
+time had Mr Vane the slightest idea of the sensation which he had
+created.
+
+As for Esmeralda, she did not know the meaning of control; what she felt
+she was obliged to show, and that forthwith, so within two minutes of
+Mr Vane's disclosure she became suddenly overcome with heat, and
+demanded Geoffrey's escort to the ball without.  There they stood and
+faced each other, he all downcast and abashed, as who should say,
+"Please forgive me for not being poor!" she, flashing with indignation,
+which said as plainly, "How dare you be a millionaire!"  There was
+silence for a minute, then she asked imperiously, "Is this true?" and he
+made a gesture of impatience.
+
+"I wish that chattering old fellow was at the bottom of the sea.  Yes,
+it's true, darling.  I'm your tenant.  I have more money than I know
+what to do with, and we are going to live at Knock half the year, you
+and I, and amuse ourselves by putting it in repair, and have Bridgie and
+the rest over to stay with us whenever you like.  Don't be angry with
+me, please.  I meant it all so well!"
+
+Esmeralda drew a quick breath, and pressed her hands tightly together.
+Oh, dear old home! oh, dear old Castle! was it possible that it need not
+be left after all? need never pass into the hands of strangers?  Was it
+really, really possible that she herself was to reign as Lady Bountiful,
+and see order replace disorder, beauty restored where ruin had walked
+barefaced?  It was an effort to preserve an appearance of severity, but
+she would not give in so soon, so held her head erect, and demanded
+haughtily--
+
+"Why was this kept from me?  Why was I never told?"
+
+"Jack knew," said Hilliard humbly.  "Your father knew.  I told him
+before his death.  But, Esmeralda darling, I have been run after for my
+money all my life, and it was so sweet to me to think that you believed
+me poor, and would still marry me for my own sake, that I could not bear
+to put an end to the delusion.  Then I thought I would wait until we
+were married, and give you the lease of the Castle as a wedding-present.
+I meant it to be such a happy surprise, and that grey man has spoiled
+it all!  What a comfort it would be if people would mind their own
+business!  Do you remember pitying me for being dependent on glue, and
+taking for granted I must be poor?  How I did enjoy that walk, and our
+talk together!  But you see, darling, it is a more valuable commodity
+than you thought.  My old uncle made a fortune by it, and I make a fresh
+fortune every year.  You said once that you would like to be rich, but I
+haven't found it altogether a bed of roses.  I need your help at least
+as much as if I were a poor man, and we will try together to use our
+money so as to make other people happier and better.  First of all come
+your own brothers.  I can help them on, and Bridgie and Pixie will be
+like my own sisters.  You are pleased, Esmeralda; I can see it in your
+face.  You are not angry with me any more?  What are you thinking of,
+darling, with that far-away gaze?"
+
+"I am thinking of father," said Esmeralda softly.  "How happy he would
+be!  There will still be an O'Shaughnessy at dear Knock Castle."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Pixie O'Shaughnessy, by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
+
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