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Hichens, Robert Smythe, 1864-1950

"The Prophet of Berkeley Square"


Meanwhile Sir Tiglath, concerned with his dinner, took no heed of Mr.
Sagittarius for the moment, and that gentleman, slightly reassured,
endeavoured to make himself agreeable to Mrs. Merillia.
"You are very pleasantly situated here, ma'am," he began.
Mrs. Merillia thought he meant because she was at his elbow, and
answered politely,--
"Yes, very pleasantly situated."
"It is indeed a blessing to be within such easy reach of the Stores,"
added Mr. Sagittarius, finishing his soup, and permitting Mr.
Ferdinand's sleeves to flow down once more over his hands.
"The Stores!" said Mrs. Merillia.
"_O festum dies beatus illa_!" ejaculated Madame, assuming an expression
of profound and almost passionate sentiment. "Happy indeed the good lady
who dwells in the central districts!"
She permitted a gigantic sigh to leave her bosom and to wander freely
among the locks of those at the table. Sir Tiglath, who, on being
assaulted by her learning, had shown momentary symptoms of apoplexy, now
gave a loud grunt, while the Prophet, perceiving that his grandmother
and Lady Julia were quite unequal to the occasion, hastily replied,--
"Yes, Berkeley Square is very convenient in may ways.


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