Sadbag looked serious as Geometrus dilated on the usefulness of Geologic-chemistry; then he remarked—‘I imagined that chemistry had attained its limits, and further improvements in manufactures impossible, almost, but I see with your eyes, Geometrus, and quite understand that the world is still in its infancy, although it believes it is acquainted with everything already.’ ‘So they thought a hundred years ago!’ observed Geometrus laughingly; ‘the people of that time actually imagined they had scaled the extreme heights of knowledge and there was nothing left to learn. But hark!’ he exclaimed in an excited undertone, ‘there’s a ring at the great door—who comes at this hour? Is it the warrants, I wonder! It is. There are the police,’ continued he as he rose and looked through the window, ‘and the police-van ready to accommodate us! Oh, Mercia is it possible that thou must suffer this degradation?’ ‘SHE SHALL NOT!’ exclaimed Sadbag vehemently, ‘as long as there’s a breath left in this body of mine. My first thought was to fly,’ he continued hurriedly, ‘on account of this copy of her letter which I was about sending to the Press for publication; but I will hide it in this vase instead, and get my solicitor to fetch it away afterwards; for I will now stand my ground for Mercia’s sake. She shall be conveyed to prison in her own carriage, or not at all, there’s no law to hinder that, I warrant. We three shall all go together, but I would have preferred my liberty a little longer for I have much to do before getting my incarceration.’ ‘Hide behind the screen again!’ whispered Mercia, ‘no one knows thou art here; it is easy enough to do; and thou canst report upon the manner in which I am treated, if need be—dost understand?’ ‘Perfectly, I will do it, and come out if I see necessary,’ agreed the old man with a roguish beam in his eyes, while he slipped behind in a twinkle. He had no sooner disappeared than the constables entered the apartment, which they did in a somewhat hesitating manner. Evidently, they did not at all relish their work, for the inmates of the Observatory, as well as the place itself inspired them with respect. ‘Why this intrusion on a lady in her private apartment?’ demanded Geometrus haughtily; for he considered they ought to have remained in the entrance hall, until their errand was explained. ‘What is your wish?’ inquired Mercia in quiet tones.