“So I did. I caught up a happy dog in the street, cried over its agony, unmuzzled it and allowed it to add its little contribution to the joy of life by mangling a passing archdeacon. I sat on the floor and handled snakes. I wore my hair parted on one side and smoked a cigarette in a chiffon gown. I refused food in a public restaurant because it had been cooked by a Frenchman. I--” “Enough! Enough!” cried the Prophet. “I understand. You forced Miss Partridge’s acquaintances to believe in Miss Partridge’s folly. But who were these acquaintances?” “It would take me hours to tell you. First there was--” “I really have to go at five.” “Then I’ll finish about Sir Tiglath. He’s an utterly sensible old man, and so is different from all other old men, for you know human folly increases enormously with age. Isn’t that lovely? Now, Mr. Vivian, Sir Tiglath admires me.” “Ah!” “I know. You think that proves him the contrary of what I’ve said.” “Not at all!” exclaimed the Prophet, with frenzied courtesy, “not at all!” “Yes, you do. But you’re wrong. He doesn’t exactly admire my character, but he likes me because I’m tall, and have pleasant coloured eyes, and thick hair, and walk well, and know that he’s really an unusually sensible old man.” “Oh, is that it?” “Yes. But now, if he could be made to think that I really am what I look like--a thoroughly sensible young woman, he would more than admire me, he would adore me.” “But if you wish him to?” asked the Prophet in blank amazement. “I do.” “Why?” “The Miss Minerva part of me desires it.” “Indeed.” “Yes. He’s got to do one or two things for Miss Minerva without knowing that I’m Miss Minerva. That is why I bolted into the parlour yesterday. Just as I was stepping into Jellybrand’s I happened to see Sir Tiglath and he happened to think he saw me.” “Only to think?” “Yes. He is not certain. I saw that by the expression of his face. He was wondering whether I was me--or is it I?--or not. I didn’t give him time to be certain. I rushed into the parlour.” “You did.” “So it’s all right. Frederick Smith would never betray a client.” “Really?” “Never; so I’m saved. For Sir Tiglath isn’t certain even now. I found that out on the way home with him last night. And an old man who’s uncertain of the truth can soon be made certain of the lie, by a young woman he admires, however sensible he is. And now I’ll tell you part of what I want Sir Tiglath to do for Miss Minerva--” But at this moment the clock struck five, and the Prophet bounded up with hysterical activity, and hastily took his leave, promising to call again and hear more on the following day. “And tell more,” thought Lady Enid to herself as the door of the sensible-looking boudoir shut behind him. CHAPTER VIII THE PROPHET RECEIVES HIS DIRECTIONS FROM MADAME When the Prophet reached his door he rang the bell with a rather faltering hand. Mr. Ferdinand appeared.