A butler who
shows terror at the sight of visitors does not conduce to the popularity
of his employers."
"I beg pardon, sir. I was not prepared."
"Please be prepared another time. You will serve dinner for three
to-night, very quietly, in the inner dining-room. I do not wish Mrs.
Merillia to be disturbed in her illness, and--"
"If you please, sir, Mrs. Merillia feels herself so much better that she
is coming down to dinner to-night."
"Coming down to dinner!" said the Prophet, aghast.
"Yes, sir. And she has asked in Sir Tiglath Butt and the Lady Julia
Postlethwaite to join her. I was about to show Mrs. Merillia the menu,
sir, when--"
"Good Heavens! Merciful Powers!" ejaculated the Prophet.
"Sir?"
"What on earth is to be done?" continued the Prophet, lost for the
moment to all sense of propriety.
Mr. Ferdinand looked at the old and valued friends.
"I can't say, sir, I'm sure," he replied, pursing up his lips.
"What is the meaning--" began Mr. Sagittarius.
"I'm not aware that--" started Madame.
The Prophet darted to the library door and opened it.
"Pray, pray come in here," he hissed. "My grandmother! Softly!"
"But the old la--"
"Hush, please!"
"I must remark, Mr.
Pages:
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270