looking at the printed card in his hand
had wondered whether by chance P.D. O'Shaughnessy was any relation of
the Irish Pixie to whom Stanor Vaughan had wished to be engaged. The
wonder changed to certainty a few hours later on as he was introduced to
the young player, and met the gaze of his straight, dark eyes! Pat was
the handsomest of the three brothers, nevertheless it was not so much of
beautiful Joan Hilliard that the beholder was reminded, at this moment,
as of the younger sister, who had no beauty at all, for Esmeralda's
perfect features lacked the irradiation of kindliness and humour which
characterised Pat and Pixie alike.

Stephen Glynn was not given to sudden fancies, but Pat O'Shaughnessy
walked straight into his heart at that first meeting, and during the
year which followed the acquaintance so begun had ripened into intimacy.
Stephen spent a great part of his time in chambers in town, where the
young man became a welcome guest, and no sooner had Pat soared to the
giddy height of possessing a flat of his own, and settled down as a
householder, than the accident had happened which made him dependent on
the visits of his friends.

Pat was aware of Stephen's connection with his family, and more
especially with Pixie, but after one brief reference the subject had
been buried, though Pixie herself was frequently mentioned. There was a
portrait of her on Pat's mantelpiece to which Stephen's eyes often
strayed during his visits to the flat. Truth to tell it was not a
flattering portrait. Pixie was unfortunate so far as photography was
concerned, since all her bad points were reproduced and her charm
disappeared. Stephen wondered if Stanor were gazing at the same
photograph in New York, and if his imagination were strong enough to
supply the want. For himself he had no difficulty. So vivid was his
recollection that even as he looked the set face of the photograph
seemed to flash into smiles...

"Well, I am glad you have given in," he said, continuing his sentence
after a leisurely pause, "because my threat was real. I should
certainly have written to your people if you hadn't done it yourself.
You are not being properly looked after, young man. To put it bluntly,
you are not having enough to eat. When do you expect that obnoxious old
female to come back and make tea?"

"'Deed, I've given over expecting," said Pat despondently. "Most days
I'm ready to drink the teapot by the time she brings it in.