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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"The Prophet of Berkeley Square"

"
"Then we'll talk of yesterday," said Lady Enid, very firmly.
The Prophet looked rather blank.
"Yes," she repeated. "Yesterday. I've guessed your secret."
"Which one?" he cried, much startled.
"Which?" she said reproachfully. "Oh, Mr. Vivian--and I thought you
trusted in me."
The Prophet was silent. The third daughter of the clergyman had often
made that remark to him when they were nearly engaged. It recalled
bygone memories.
"That's what I thought," she added with pressure.
"I'm sorry," the Prophet murmured, rather obstinately.
"I always think," she continued, with deliberate expansiveness, "that
nearly all the miseries of the world come about from people not trusting
in--in people."
"Or from people trusting in the wrong people. Which is it?" said the
Prophet, not without slyness.
She began to look thin, but checked herself.
"Tell me," she said, "why did you stop me yesterday when I was beginning
to say to Sir Tiglath that I was sure Malkiel was a man and not a
syndicate?"
"Did I stop you?" said the Prophet, artlessly.
"Yes, with your eyes."
"Because--because I was sure--that is, certain you couldn't be sure.


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