The day after my little friend had related to me his experiences in the
land of the King and Queen of Hearts, I was surprised to receive a
portmanteau addressed to me, which, on my opening it, I found to contain
the little yellow costume, including the turban with the diamond
ornament, which Shin Shira had always worn.
There was no note enclosed, and I naturally wondered very much what had
occasioned this strange parcel being sent to me.
I had no means of communicating with Shin Shira, and so had to wait with
what patience I could summon for an explanation from him.
I had not long to wait, fortunately, for in the afternoon of the same
day the little fellow burst in upon me, clothed in a frock coat, tall
hat and regulation costume of a gentleman in easy circumstances.
I must say he was not nearly such a picturesque looking person as he had
been in his Oriental dress. He threw himself into a chair and seemed
overflowing with news.
"I've decided to settle down," he said breathlessly. "I didn't tell you
yesterday because my arrangements were not quite completed, but I've
begun now, and I'm going to settle down."
"What _do_ you mean?" I inquired, utterly bewildered by my friend's
abrupt statement.
"Why," he began, "I'm tired of this constant changing from one place to
another; and as I've not had to disappear now for some time, I've come
to the conclusion that the fairies have overlooked the misdeeds of my
ancestors and are going to give me a rest. I've taken a house in the
highly respectable neighbourhood of Russell Square, and I've furnished
it by means of my fairy powers with everything that is necessary;
besides this, I've realised the full value of all my precious stones,
except, of course, that which the dear Princess gave me, and have opened
a banking account. There!" and the little fellow sat back, evidently
feeling quite exhausted by his long speech and vainly searching for his
little fan, which, of course, was not there.
I scarcely knew what to say to this surprising statement, and waited for
further developments before replying. "I've engaged a housekeeper to
look after me, and two servants also; and--as you see--have discarded my
Oriental costume for one more suitable to this country and climate; I
sent you my old costume and turban by a trustworthy messenger this
morning, having changed at my tailor's into the attire in which you see
me. I hope it has arrived safely?"
I assured him that it had, and sent for the portmanteau in order that he
might see for himself.
"That's all right, then," he said with a sigh of relief; "and now I want
to hand you this blank cheque which I have signed, and, in case I
disappear, I want you to draw out the whole amount standing to my
account at the bank at the time, so that I may be able to get it in case
I appear again. I have an idea that I shall not have to undergo these
changes many more times. Of course, if I never come back, the money will
be yours, as I have no one else to leave it to."
I thanked him very heartily for the trust he reposed in me, and assured
him that his wishes should be carried out to the letter.
"That's all right, then!" he exclaimed in a tone of satisfaction; "and
now I want to arrange for a nice little party at my new home to act as a
kind of--er--home warming--I think you call it. Ask the children and any
of your friends who know me, and, if you let me know beforehand how many
are coming, I will arrange for what, I hope, will turn out to be a very
enjoyable evening."
We fixed the date, and after my little friend had gone, I wrote
informally, as Shin Shira wished, to as many of my friends as would be
likely to wish to come, to ask them to attend.
Nearly everybody accepted--for the little fellow was a great favourite
with everybody who knew him--and, as Shin Shira looked in every day to
know how the replies were coming in, I was able to tell him in a few
days that we might expect from twenty to twenty-five guests.
From then till the date fixed Shin Shira was very busy, and I only saw
him once or twice, and on the eventful day I did not see him at all.
The Verrinder children were coming in the carriage with me, and,
according to arrangement, we were the first to arrive.
There was an awning at the door and a red carpet laid down the steps
and across the pavement; the house was brilliantly lighted, and
evidently grand preparations had been going on.