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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"The Prophet of Berkeley Square"

Vivian to the
Zoological Gardens to-night. It is my sacred duty."
The Prophet groaned.
"But, my darling--"
"The reception over, I will assist you and Mr. Vivian at the telescope
in the Berkeley Square. In your presence I can do so without departing
from my principles, _salvo pudoribus_. Do not interrupt me, Jupiter, if
you please. I have thought the matter out. The crisis in our fate is at
hand. Upon the events of the next three nights depends our future. These
mysterious messages of which Mr. Vivian speaks must be examined into by
us upon the spot. This mystery of the dressed Crab must be made clear.
A woman's intellect is needed. A woman's intellect shall not be wanting.
Ill as I am, worn down by the occurrences of yesterday and by this
gentleman's incessant telegrams, I will leave my books"--here she waved
one hand towards the dwarf bookcase--"I will assume an appropriate
_neglige_ and my outdoor boots, a fichu and bonnet, and will accompany
you at once to the Berkeley Square, there to confer and arrange the
programme of the evening. Mrs. Bridgeman would fall down before us in
worship could she know who we really are. As it is, Mr. Vivian will
introduce us modestly as two old and valued friends.


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