"I think Nankipooh has come to call," whispered Billie, as the vehicle drew near.
The girls hid themselves behind a clump of shrubbery and peeped through the branches.
"He's bringing gifts," whispered Elinor.
The 'riksha had drawn up at the piazza and the two runners, after the personage in fancy dress had descended, lifted out a very aged and no doubt extremely costly dwarfed apple tree growing in a green vase, and a lacquered box.
One of the ever-watchful domestics opened the door and into the hall stalked the visitor, followed by his retainers.
"I think he must be a messenger from the Emperor, nothing less," said
Billie. "He's so awfully grand."
"Perhaps he's the Mikado himself," said Mary.
The others laughed again and even Nancy forgot her troubles and joined in.
"I declare I feel as if I had settled down to live on a Japanese fan," continued Billie. "Everything is like a decoration. I can't imagine anything really serious ever happening, it's all so gay and pretty and the people are like dolls."
"Here comes one of your live dolls," observed Mary, pointing to Onoye, who was hastening toward them down the path, the skirts of her flowered kimono blowing about her ankles as she walked.