much impressed by them. It is a fine old place, and I can understand
your attachment to it. You are fortunate to have secured such a good
tenant. Curiously enough, I was mentioning your name to my lawyer, who
was dining with me the other night, and he told me he had negotiated the
lease for your new tenant. The young fellow is able to pay for his
hobbies, and is evidently keen on putting the place in repair. It is
not every day that a millionaire comes to the rescue just when he is
wanted, but this Mr Hilliard certainly seems the right man in the right
place. Wonderful what glue can accomplish, isn't it, Miss
O'Shaughnessy? it makes one almost wish to be in trade oneself!"
Jack was wont to say in later years that he had never admired Bridgie
more than at this moment of surprise and shock. She turned white, it
was true, but her voice was as calm as usual, and the manner in which
she replied so full of quiet dignity, that neither then nor at any other
time had Mr Vane the slightest idea of the sensation which he had
created.
As for Esmeralda, she did not know the meaning of control; what she felt
she was obliged to show, and that forthwith, so within two minutes of
Mr Vane's disclosure she became suddenly overcome with heat, and
demanded Geoffrey's escort to the ball without. There they stood and
faced each other, he all downcast and abashed, as who should say,
"Please forgive me for not being poor!" she, flashing with indignation,
which said as plainly, "How dare you be a millionaire!" There was
silence for a minute, then she asked imperiously, "Is this true?" and he
made a gesture of impatience.
"I wish that chattering old fellow was at the bottom of the sea. Yes,
it's true, darling. I'm your tenant. I have more money than I know
what to do with, and we are going to live at Knock half the year, you
and I, and amuse ourselves by putting it in repair, and have Bridgie and
the rest over to stay with us whenever you like. Don't be angry with
me, please. I meant it all so well!"
Esmeralda drew a quick breath, and pressed her hands tightly together.
Oh, dear old home! oh, dear old Castle! was it possible that it need not
be left after all? need never pass into the hands of strangers? Was it
really, really possible that she herself was to reign as Lady Bountiful,
and see order replace disorder, beauty restored where ruin had walked
barefaced? It was an effort to preserve an appearance of severity, but
she would not give in so soon, so held her head erect, and demanded
haughtily--
"Why was this kept from me? Why was I never told?"
"Jack knew," said Hilliard humbly. "Your father knew. I told him
before his death. But, Esmeralda darling, I have been run after for my
money all my life, and it was so sweet to me to think that you believed
me poor, and would still marry me for my own sake, that I could not bear
to put an end to the delusion. Then I thought I would wait until we
were married, and give you the lease of the Castle as a wedding-present.
I meant it to be such a happy surprise, and that grey man has spoiled
it all! What a comfort it would be if people would mind their own
business! Do you remember pitying me for being dependent on glue, and
taking for granted I must be poor? How I did enjoy that walk, and our
talk together! But you see, darling, it is a more valuable commodity
than you thought. My old uncle made a fortune by it, and I make a fresh
fortune every year. You said once that you would like to be rich, but I
haven't found it altogether a bed of roses. I need your help at least
as much as if I were a poor man, and we will try together to use our
money so as to make other people happier and better. First of all come
your own brothers. I can help them on, and Bridgie and Pixie will be
like my own sisters. You are pleased, Esmeralda; I can see it in your
face. You are not angry with me any more? What are you thinking of,
darling, with that far-away gaze?"
"I am thinking of father," said Esmeralda softly. "How happy he would
be! There will still be an O'Shaughnessy at dear Knock Castle."
THE END.
End of Project Gutenberg's Pixie O'Shaughnessy, by Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey