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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"The Prophet of Berkeley Square"

There's the horse down again!"
"I shall have to give the man one and sixpence. Are your going to keep
your promise to Mrs. Merillia and Sir Tiglath?"
To this question the Prophet determined to give a direct answer, in
order to draw Lady Enid away from the more dangerous subjects.
"No," he said, with a spasm of pain.
"I knew you wouldn't be able to."
"Why?"
"Because when one's once been really and truly silly it's impossible not
to repeat the act, absolutely impossible. You'll never stop now. You'll
go on from one thing to another, as I do."
"I cannot think that prophecy is silly," said the Prophet, with some
stiffness.
She looked at him with frank admiration.
"You're worse than I am! It's splendid!"
"Worse!"
"Why, yes. You're foolish enough to think your silly acts sensible. I
wish I could get to that. Then perhaps I could impose on Sir Tiglath
more easily too."
She considered this idea seriously, as they started on again, and
gradually got free of the little crowd that had been sitting on the
horse's head.
"I must impose upon him," she said. "And you've got to help me."
"I!" cried the Prophet, feeling terribly unequal to everything.


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