It was yellow in colour and seemed to grow larger every minute. I had imagined at first that it was a cushion, but now it suddenly occurred to me that it was Shin Shira appearing. Of course! and a minute or two later there he sat, cross-legged, composedly fanning himself on the settee beside the Duchess. I could see her draw her skirts aside and regard the little Yellow Dwarf in a puzzled and bewildered manner; and, as soon as the musical sketch was concluded, she called one of the footmen to her and told him to "remove that extraordinary-looking person immediately." 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. "Delighted, I'm sure," replied the little Yellow Dwarf; "that is one thing which I flatter myself I can do very well, owing to my fairy powers," and so it was arranged that he was to begin immediately. I cannot possibly tell you of all the wonderful things he showed us. He made flowers grow straight up from the carpet, and turned a gentleman's walking-stick into a kind of Christmas-tree, upon which hung a little present for every child in the room: a fan for each of the ladies, and a suitable gift for each of the gentlemen. This was a most popular trick, it is needless to say, and the numerous ladies and gentlemen who had by this time joined the party were as delighted as were the children themselves. Shin Shira had become quite a centre of attraction, and the Duchess smiled at me approvingly.