"You can't have it, not till three o'clock."
"I beg your pardon!" said the Prophet, with trembling lips.
"What for?"
"I really regret that I must retire. Allow me--"
"I'll not allow you. Where is my husband? He's not at the Zoological
Gardens."
"He has probably returned home."
"To the Mouse! Then he's a coward and an oath-breaker, and if Sir
Tiglath was to catch him I shouldn't be sorry. Kindly lead me at once
to the telescope. I will take his place. No one shall say that Madame
Malkiel ever flinched at duty's call. _Praesto et persistibus_. Conduct
me at once to the telescope."
"The telescope!" cried the Prophet. "What for?"
"Lawks!" cried Madame, with pronounced temper. "Did we not journey from
the Mouse a-purpose to go practically into the mystery of the dressed
Crab?"
"I really--I really cannot consent without a chaperon," began the
Prophet.
"The wife of Malkiel the Second needs no chaperone," retorted Madame.
"This night has altered my condition--I stand from henceforth far beyond
the reach of etiquette. The world knows me now and will not dare to
carp. _Carpe dies_."
During the foregoing colloquy her voice had become louder and louder,
and the Prophet, dreading unspeakably lest his grandmother should be
disturbed and affrighted once more, gave up the struggle, and, without
more ado, conducted Madame into the butler's pantry in which the
telescope still remained.
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