ing off a likeness was displayed, for Pat, reclining on
a bed sloping at a perilous angle towards the floor, gazed at a fragment
of mutton-bone with drooping lids and peaking brows, which represented
so precisely his expression when injured, that Stephen shouted once
again.

"_Succes fou_!" commented Pixie jauntily, as she settled herself once
more to her work. "Quite a gift, haven't I? Couldn't do pretties to
save my life, but I _can_ caricature! Now, please, _do_ be quiet! I
must get on..."

Half an hour later a loud rapping on the wall announced the awakening of
the invalid, who was once more discovered in a fractious mood.

"Asleep! Nonsense! For two minutes, perhaps. How d'you suppose _any_
fellow could sleep, with you two shrieking with laughter every two
minutes! If you choose to keep your jokes to yourself, all right, it's
nothing to me; but it's half-past seven. ... Where's supper?"

Even as he spoke another rap sounded on the front door--a brisk,
imperative rap which brooked no delay. Pixie darted forward, imagining
a surprise visit from the doctor, and found herself confronted by a man
in black, standing sentinel over a hamper.

"Mr O'Shaughnessy's flat, madam? I have instructions from Mr Glynn--"

"All right, Saunders, bring it in, bring it in!" cried Stephen quickly.
He met Pixie's eyes, flushed, and stammered--

"It's ... supper!" he said lamely. "I telephoned. It seemed a good
plan, and I thought that, Pat.--Do you _mind_?"

"_Mind_!" repeated Pixie, laughing. "Faith I do! I mind very much; but
it's the right way about; it won't be cold mutton, after all! I'll have
to draw another picture."

The man carried the hamper into the sitting-room, unpacked it deftly,
and laid the contents on the table. Soup, smoking hot from a thermos
flask, chicken and salad, a shape of cream, and a fragrant pineapple.
Pat's lips ceased to droop, his eyebrows to peak: his dark eyes lit with
enjoyment.

"Good old Glynn!" he cried. "What a great idea! Now let's begin, and
eat right through..."

As he took part in the happy meal which followed, Stephen Glynn
reflected that generosity in giving went also with generosity in
receiving. Pat and his sister would cheerfully give away their last
penny to a friend in need. It never occurred to them to show less
readiness to accept when it came to their own turn. Never was a
surprise more happily planned; never was a surprise more heartily
enjoyed.