"Would you impose your vile body upon the henchmen of the
stars?"
The Prophet got up again and leaned against the wall.
"I feel unwell," he said in a low voice. "Exceedingly unwell. I regret
that I must really be going."
Lady Enid did not seem to regret this abrupt indisposition. Perhaps she
thought that she had already accomplished her purpose. At any rate she
got up too, and prepared to take leave. The astronomer was still in
great excitement.
"Who is this Mr. Sagittarius?" he bellowed.
"A man of science. Isn't he, Mr. Vivian?"
"Yes."
"An astronomer of remarkable attainments, Mr. Vivian?"
"Yes."
"One knows not his abnormal name," cried the astronomer.
"He is very modest, very retiring. Mrs. Bridgeman's is really the only
house in London at which you can meet him. Isn't that so, Mr. Vivian?"
"Yes."
"You say he has made investigation into the possibility of there being
oxygen in many of the holy stars?"
"Mr. Vivian!"
"Yes."
"The old astronomer must encounter him!" exclaimed Sir Tiglath, puffing
furiously as he rolled about the room.
"Mr. Vivian will arrange it," Lady Enid said, with sparkling eyes, "at
Mrs.
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