definite trouble. You
are an angel, dear, to bear it as you do! It's mysterious that it
should have come to you and not me, for you didn't need discipline, and
I, who was always the naughty one, have got all that I want--Geoffrey,
and home, and the dear little boy. You must come soon, Bridgie, to see
the boy. He will be getting teeth and all sorts of luxuries, and his
godmother ought to be there to look after him."

Esmeralda rose and strolled over to the glass to arrange her hat and pin
on a filmy veil. "I must go downstairs now, and say good-bye to Miss
Trevor. Don't hurry, dear, if you have anything to do. We don't leave
for a quarter of an hour still."

Unsuspecting Bridgie trotted away to the kitchen to give some orders,
while Esmeralda sailed into the drawing-room, all smiles and amiability.
A peal of laughter greeted her ears as she entered, and there sat Pixie
perched on the end of the sofa, with her hands clasped round her knees,
and her chin poked forward, enjoying to the full the discovery of a new
audience, who was apparently as much interested in the sayings and
doings of the O'Shaughnessy family as she was herself.

Both girls looked up as the rustle of silks heralded Mrs Hilliard's
approach, but while the younger remained serenely composed, Sylvia's
lips tightened, and her eyes gave out an ominous flash. It was as if
she felt an antagonistic spirit in the air, and braced herself for the
conflict. Yet nothing could have been more friendly than Esmeralda's
smile--more cordial than her voice.

"I told Bridgie I must really have ten minutes for a farewell chat with
you before I go. It has been so pleasant to have you here, and I hope
we shall soon meet again. Has Pixie been amusing you while we were
upstairs? Come down from that couch, child! You must be quite cramped.
I am here, so you need not mount guard any longer."

"I'm very comfortable where I am," said Pixie easily. She laid her head
on one side, and stared at her sister with large, innocent eyes, which
seemed strangely disconcerting to that young lady's composure. She
frowned, and snapped a bracelet together with quite a vicious snap.

"But you are too old for such inelegant positions. You are almost
grown-up now, and must learn how to behave. For goodness' sake get up
before Geoff sees you! He is so very particular about nice behaviour in
girls."

"'Twas a bad relapse for him when he married you!" muttered Pixie
beneath her