No human creature can go back. Least of all this
gentleman. He must go forward and we with him."
The Prophet began to feel uncomfortable.
"But--" he said.
"There is no such word as 'but' in my dictionary," retorted the lady.
"Ah, an abridged edition, no doubt," said the Prophet. "Still--"
"I am better now," interposed Madame Sagittarius, brushing some crumbs
of toast from her pelisse with the orange handkerchief. "Jupiter, if you
are ready, we can explain the test to the gentleman."
So saying she drew a vinaigrette, set with fine imitation carbuncles,
from the plush reticule, and applied it majestically to her nose.
The Prophet grew really perturbed. He remembered his promise to his
grandmother and Sir Tiglath, and felt that he must assert himself more
strongly.
"I assure you," he began, with some show of firmness, "no tests will
be necessary. My telescope has already been removed from its position,
and--"
"Then it must be reinstated, sir," said Mr. Sagittarius, "and this very
night. Madame has hit upon a plan, sir, of searching you to the quick.
Trust a woman, sir, to do that."
"I should naturally trust Madame Sagittarius," said the Prophet, very
politely.
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