Vera and the boys, however, had caught sight of Shin Shira, and flew forward to claim acquaintance with him.
"It's Shin Shira, you know, godmamma. He's a friend of the gentleman who came with us—and—"
"He was not invited," said the Duchess, looking with great disfavour at the little Yellow Dwarf, "and it was exceedingly impertinent of your friend to bring him without an invitation—I am displeased."
"Madam," said Shin Shira, getting down to the floor and bowing low in the Oriental manner, "you are mistaken in thinking that I came with a friend. I—er—appeared, because I was obliged to do so—I—"
The Duchess came over to where I was sitting.
"Do you know this person?" she inquired, pointing with her glasses towards Shin Shira. "Who and what is he? Did you bring him here, and if so why?"
"I am acquainted with the gentleman, Duchess," I admitted, "but he did not come with me. I can tell you, however, that now he is here he can be made very useful in entertaining your guests—he is a conjurer of very remarkable powers, and I've no doubt whatever but that he would be only too happy to exercise them for the amusement of the company."
"That is a different matter," said the Duchess, evidently somewhat mollified. "You may introduce me."
I went to fetch Shin Shira, and had soon performed the necessary ceremony.
"The Duchess would be very much obliged if you would perform some conjuring tricks, as I know you will do with pleasure," I whispered.