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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"The Prophet of Berkeley Square"

"Many of these
views are surely in opposition, in direct opposition to each other."
"I daresay. That doesn't matter in the least to a real silly woman such
as I am."
"And then you said that you proved by your actions instantly that--"
"So I did. I caught up a happy dog in the street, cried over its agony,
unmuzzled it and allowed it to add its little contribution to the joy
of life by mangling a passing archdeacon. I sat on the floor and handled
snakes. I wore my hair parted on one side and smoked a cigarette in a
chiffon gown. I refused food in a public restaurant because it had been
cooked by a Frenchman. I--"
"Enough! Enough!" cried the Prophet. "I understand. You forced Miss
Partridge's acquaintances to believe in Miss Partridge's folly. But who
were these acquaintances?"
"It would take me hours to tell you. First there was--"
"I really have to go at five."
"Then I'll finish about Sir Tiglath. He's an utterly sensible old man,
and so is different from all other old men, for you know human folly
increases enormously with age. Isn't that lovely? Now, Mr. Vivian, Sir
Tiglath admires me."
"Ah!"
"I know. You think that proves him the contrary of what I've said.


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