"
"So you do, grannie, all except--except just these."
"And they are old and valued, you say?"
"No, no--that is, I mean yes."
Mrs. Merillia was too dignified to ask any further questions. She lay
back on her sofa, and looked at her grandson with a shining of mild
reproach in her green eyes.
"Well, my dear," she said, "go back to your friends, but don't forget
that Lady Julia and Sir Tiglath are dining here at half-past seven."
"Grannie," cried the Prophet, with a desperate feeling that Madame meant
to stay, "you ought not to dine downstairs to-night. Let me send and put
them off."
"No, Hennessey," she answered, with gentle decision. "I feel better, and
I want cheering up. My morning was not altogether pleasant."
The Prophet understood that she was alluding to his questions, and felt
cut to the heart. His home seemed crumbling about him, but he knew not
what to do or what to say. Mrs. Merillia observed his agitation, but she
did not choose to remark upon it, for she considered curiosity the most
vulgar of all the vices.
"Go to your friends, dear," she said again. "But be in time for dinner."
"Yes, grannie."
The Prophet descended the stairs and met Mr.
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