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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"The Prophet of Berkeley Square"

"
"You will of course send the old lady's horoscope to us at the same time
with full particulars."
"Full particulars?" said the Prophet. "What of?"
"Of her removal from the bottle, cutting of her first tooth, short
coating, going into skirts, putting of the hair up, day of marriage and
widowhood, illnesses--"
"Especially the rashes, Jupiter," struck in Madame.
"What a mind!" said Mr. Sagittarius aside to the Prophet.
"What!"
"Especially as Madame says, any illnesses taking the form of a rash--the
epidemic form, as I may say--and so forth. We are to receive this
document by the first post Thursday morning."
"Have you dotted all that down, Mr. Vivian?" inquired Madame.
The Prophet hastily made a large variety of scratches with the lead
pencil.
"And now," continued Mr. Sagittarius.
There was a third tap at the door.
"Come in," cried the Prophet, distractedly, and feeling as if homicidal
mania were rapidly creeping upon him.
Mr. Ferdinand appeared once more, with a mouth like a purse.
"Her ladyship says she really must go in a moment, sir, and--and Mrs.
Merillia begs that--"
"I am coming at once, Mr. Ferdinand. I swear it.


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