o! The O'Shaughnessys are a very good family. Very
well connected. Beautiful old place in Ireland," drawled the young lady
in her turn, and in the intervals of the performance she proceeded to
expatiate on the grandeur of the O'Shaughnessy family, the beauty of
Esmeralda, and the riches of her husband, until her companion looked
forward with increased interest to the coming introduction.

At the first interval Pixie came forward in response to eager
beckonings, and stood leaning against the side of the box talking to her
friend, with superb disregard of the more extended audience.

"Fancy, now, the two of us meeting without knowing that we were here!
You look quite old, Lottie, with your hair done up. Turn your head and
let me see the back! D'you still curl it with slate-pencils, like you
did at school? I came home at Christmas, and I've thought of writing
ever since, but I've been too busy. I suppose you're busy too, now you
are grown-up and living at home. Have you come out, and gone to dances
in low necks? We had an old servant at Knock, and one day a friend came
to lunch and she says to Bridgie, `That's a fine, handsome young lady!'
`She is,' says Bridgie. `She's just come out!' `Out of w'ere?' says
Molly, staring."

Pixie darted a quick glance round the box to enjoy the general
appreciation of her joke, then gave a low chuckle of satisfaction.
"Ye'll never guess what I'm doing!"

"No," said Lottie Vane complacently. She too had noticed the smiles of
the audience, and was anxious to encourage her friend in her
reminiscences. In society people were always grateful for being amused,
and if in her recital Pixie let fall further references to the standing
and importance of her family, why, so much the better for all concerned.

"What mischief are you up to now, you funny little thing?"

"I'm in service!" said Pixie proudly.

The shocked amaze of Lottie's expression, the involuntary rustle of
surprise which went round the box, were as so many tributes to the
thrilling nature of the intelligence, and she waited a moment to enjoy
it before pointing unabashed in the direction of the two children, and
condescending to further explanations.

"Me pupils! I've been with them now for over a month."

"What do you mean? How absurd you are, Pixie!" cried Lottie irritably.
"In service--you! I never heard such nonsense. As if you were a
servant! I don't know what you are talking about!"

"I get wages, any