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.

“Your friend is a great acquisition,” she remarked, coming over to the settee on which I was seated.  “Look! look! whatever is he going to do now?”

I was as interested and puzzled as herself, for, knowing of the extraordinary powers which my little friend possessed, I could never be sure what to expect from him in the way of the marvellous.

[Illustration:  “Shin Shira placed them in the Crystal Bowl.”]

This time it was really a most interesting trick.

First of all he turned an inkstand into a large clear crystal bowl, and placed it on a little table which stood in front of him.  Then he asked for anything to be given to him which the owner wished to disappear.