"Because they are just too poor to have ye with them, my little _asthore_--that's the truth of the matter. You have got to stay with Uncle Jack and make the best of it." "But if I went for one week--couldn't I stay with them for one week, uncle? I do so dreadfully want to know Norah and Bridget and Eileen." "'Tis aunts they are to ye, my pretty." "Yes, and what are the names of the boys, and what are they to me?" "Uncles to be sure, _acushla machree_. There's Fergus, called after The Desmond, and there's Bruce and there's Malachi." "Malachi--that does sound a funny name," said Margot. "It belonged to the finest of the old Irish kings," said Uncle Jack, and he began to hum the well-known tune "_When Malachi Wore His Collar of Gold_." "There now, that's enough," said Margot. "You are wonderful to-day, Jacko, you are quite wonderful. But can't we go to see them while auntie is away?" "There's no money. _Acushla machree_, there isn't a penny." "Look here, Jacko, and don't talk about there being no money. These are mine--they belong to me." The child thrust her hand into her little pocket. "Auntie thinks she keeps them for me, but I took them away my lone self ages and ages back and she has never missed them. They belonged to my father, who was the young Comte St. Juste. See, this seal and this watch and chain and this necklet he bought for mother, and these bracelets. We can sell 'em and get plenty of money to go to Desmondstown." "Why to be sure, so we could," said Uncle Jack, "but you make me feel like a wicked old man, little puss." "No, no, you are a perfect darling. Promise faithful and true that you'll take me to Desmondstown when auntie goes away to visit her sick friend. She's going in a week or fortnight and she'll be away for a whole fortnight at least. I was naughty, last night, Jacko, and I eavesdropped when she was telling cook. She's going Friday week and we're going to Desmondstown on Friday week." "Listen to me, Margot. I can't lie to you, child; it is a thing that couldn't be. I have to stay here to attend to my parochial work and I cannot leave even if I want to, but I'll tell you what I'll do, little puss. I'll sell just as many of these things as are required--not nearly all, for all won't be wanted, and I'll take you myself and I'll put you on board the steamer and look out for a kind Irish lady, who'll put you into the right train for Desmondstown. Now, for goodness' sake, let me sweep these things into a drawer. I hear herself coming in. We mustn't let a word on to her, child, and you must be back with me faithful and true before she returns." "That I will, Jacko, you may be sure of that." The treasures were locked into one of Uncle Jack's drawers. The door of the study was unlocked and little Margot ran out into the garden. She kept singing in her high, clear voice, "_When Malachi Wore His Collar of Gold_." She felt beside herself with happiness. CHAPTER II. A VISIT TO IRELAND.