"Mr. Vivian," she began, in a rather subdued voice, "that isn't a comet,
that's a copper!"
The bell rang again.
"D'you think--d'you think that can be my husband?" continued Madame,
still seeming subdued. "I should like him--Do you think it's him?"
"What?"
"The bell."
"I will very soon see," replied the Prophet, in a most determined
manner.
"But Mr. Viv--"
"Don't hold me, if you please. Kindly let me pass!"
And, breaking from the lady's anxious grasp, the Prophet rushed into
the hall just as Gustavus appeared, descending the front stairs from
the landing before Mrs. Merillia's door, where he had been in close
conference with Mrs. Fancy.
"Stand back, Gustavus," said the Prophet.
"Sir!"
"Stand back!"
"But, sir, there is someone--"
"I know there is. I am about to answer the door myself."
"If you please, sir, Mrs. Merillia is greatly alarmed by the constant
ringing, and Mrs. Fancy thinks--"
"Gustavus," said the Prophet in an awful voice, "you may retire, but
first let me tell you one thing."
"Certainly, sir," said the footman, beginning to tremble.
"The circumstances that have rendered a hitherto peaceful household more
disordered than an abode of madmen are about to be brought to an end for
ever.
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