"
"Had what in the square?"
"Rashes."
"I! Have a rash in the square!"
"Exactly. Have you ever--an epidemic, you know?"
"I have an epidemic in Berkeley Square? You must be crazy, Hennessey!"
"Probably, very likely, grannie. But have you? Tell me quickly! Have
you?"
"Certainly not! As if any gentlewoman--"
"Answered, grannie, answered! Eight!"
"Eight what?"
"Questions. Thank you, dearest grannie. I knew you'd tell me, I knew you
would!"
And the Prophet rushed from the room, leaving Mrs. Merillia in a
condition that cannot be described and that not all the subsequent
ministrations of Mrs. Fancy Quinglet were able to alleviate.
Having reached the hall, the Prophet hastily put on his coat and hat and
called Mr. Ferdinand to him.
"Mr. Ferdinand," he said, assuming a fixed and stony dignity to conceal
his agitation and dismay, "I am leaving the house at once with the--the
lady and gentleman who are in the library."
At this description of the kids Mr. Ferdinand was very nearly seized
with convulsions. However, as he said nothing and merely wrung his large
hands, the Prophet, after a slight pause, continued,--
"I may be away some time, so if Mrs.
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