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We haven't a single animal in the house, not even a cat. I miss them frightfully. Do you remember when my ferret died, and I filled up to cry, and the Major bought me a white rat for consolation? Health, and tons of love, darling, from your own Pixie." Sylvia chuckled softly from the bed. "It's not a scrap like a letter," she said. "It is just like somebody talking. What a jolly little soul!
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.
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.
There were all Rorie's old favourites Starlight Bess, with her shining brown coat, and one white stocking; Blue Peter, broad-chested, well-ribbed, and strong of limb; Pixie, the gray Arab mare, which Lady Jane used to drive in a park-phaeton quite an ancient lady; Donald, the iron-sinewed hunter.
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.
Esmeralda frowned, bit her lip, and finally succumbed, even as the butler had done before her, and laughed with a good grace. She hugged Pixie, and Pixie hugged her back, and chattered away so freely and naturally that it was impossible for restraint to live in her presence.
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!"
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.
'Twas the beeswax pudding that pleased her most," said Pixie easily, and wondered at Esmeralda's sudden extinction of interest. "Now what disclosures has that child been making next!" cried the freckled girl, looking on at this little scene with curious eyes. "I doubt whether Esmeralda appreciates them as much as the Duchess.
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.