"And you get away for holidays like this. That must make it easier. Have you to work very hard? What is your work? In what way do you make your living?" Once more Hilliard smiled in amusement, and in truth there was a directness about Esmeralda's questionings which was as unusual as it was unconscious. He put up his hand and stroked one end of his curly moustache. "Glue!" "Glue!" echoed Esmeralda shrilly. "Glue!" shrieked Pixie in even shriller echo. The two pairs of eyes were fixed upon him in horrified incredulity. The pity, the commiseration of their expressions was touching to behold. "Oh, poor fellow!" sighed Esmeralda softly. "You _must_ be poor! How can anyone manage to make a living out of--glue?" "But you know, Esmeralda darling, it is useful! We break such heaps of things ourselves. We often use it," urged Pixie anxiously; and at this her sister brightened visibly. "We do. That's true for you, Pixie. Perhaps it's your glue we use, Mr Hilliard. Dear me, it will be quite cheering when we break anything after this! We shall feel we are helping a friend by our misfortune." "That's very kind of you. I'll remember that you said that, and it will cheer me too," replied Hilliard gallantly, and at that very moment a sound came to the ears of all. "The gong! It must be tea-time. They are sounding it to let us hear. I hope I have not kept you out too long." Ten minutes later they were all seated in the hall enjoying tea and scones, while Bridgie smiled sweetly on their flushed, animated faces. "You look well after your walk," she said. "And what did Mr Hilliard think of our tame ruins?" Pixie looked at Esmeralda; Esmeralda looked at Mr Hilliard; Mr Hilliard looked at his boots. One and all they had forgotten all about the ruins! CHAPTER TWENTY THREE. THE UNWRITTEN PAGE. The New Year gathering was a great success, and justified Esmeralda's boast that she would organise an entertainment which should be both original and striking. Mademoiselle was not admitted to the secret conferences, for she was to be surprised with the other guests; but she could not shut her ears, and would not have done so if she could, for the sound of the music which rose to her ears was too melodious to lose. One and all the O'Shaughnessys possessed beautiful singing voices, and though the carols which they rehearsed were simple in themselves, they were practised with a care which made them a joy to hear. Over and over again the Major made his choir repeat a certain phrase, until the _diminuendo_ or _crescendo_ was rendered to his satisfaction, until opening and closing notes sounded together to the instant, and due expression was given to every mark. Music he loved, and over music would spend time and trouble which he would have grudged in almost every other way; but he rubbed his hands with satisfaction when the last rehearsal was over, and boasted gleefully that for carol-singing not many choirs could be found to beat his own.