“It would not be feasible, I suppose, Hennessey, to station Gustavus permanently at the telegraph office with a small hamper, so that he might collect the wires in it as they arrive and convey them here, once an hour or so, entering by the area door. I thought perhaps that might obviate--” Mr. Ferdinand once more appeared, looking very puffy about the eyes. “If you please, ma’am, La--ady Julia Pos--ostlethwaite is below, and asks whe--ether you are truly going ma’am?” “Going? Where to, Mr. Ferdinand?” “The other pla--ace, ma’am. Her ladyship is crying something terrible, ma’am, and says, till she no--no--noticed the fact she had no--no--notion you was leaving us so soon, ma’am.” Here Mr. Ferdinand uttered a very strange and heartrending sound that was rather like the bark of a dog with a bad cold in its head. “It is really very odd so many people finding out so soon!” said Mrs. Merillia in some surprise. “Tell her ladyship, Mr. Ferdinand, that--” But at this moment there was the sound of feet on the stairs, and Lady Enid Thistle hurried into the room, closely followed by Mr. Robert Green. Lady Enid went up at once to Mrs. Merillia. “I am so shocked and distressed to see your news, dear Mrs. Merillia,” she cried affectionately. “But,” she added, with much inquisitiveness, “is it really true that if anyone tapped on the door you would certainly die? How can you be so sure of yourself.” “What do you mean? Ah, Mr. Green, how d’you do? See my news!” “Yes, written up on the front door. Everyone’s shocked.” “Rather!” said Mr. Green, gazing at Mrs. Merillia with confused mournfulness. “One doesn’t see death on a front door every day, don’t you know, in big round hand too, and then one of those modern words.” “Death on the front door in big round hand!” said Mrs. Merillia in the greatest perplexity. “I put it there, grannie,” said the Prophet, humbly. “I wrote that if another boy knocked, death would certainly ensue.” “Ensue. That’s it. I knew it was one of those modern words,” said Mr. Green. “Another boy?” said Lady Enid. “Why should another boy knock?” “Hennessey receives about nine telegrams an hour,” answered Mrs. Merillia. “Really!” Lady Enid looked at him with keen interest, while Mrs. Merillia continued,-- “You had better take death off the door now, Mr. Ferdinand. I feel more myself. Please thank her ladyship and tell her so.” “Yes, ma’am.” “Nine telegrams an hour!” repeated Lady Enid. “Mr. Vivian, would you mind just seeing me as far as Hill Street? Bob has to go to Tattersall’s.” “Have I, Niddy?” asked Mr. Green, with evident surprise. “Yes, to pick up a polo pony. Don’t you recollect?” “A polo pony, was it? By Jove!” “I will come with pleasure,” said the poor Prophet, who felt fit only to lie down quietly in his grave. “If you don’t mind being left, grannie?” Mrs. Merillia was looking pleased. “No, no. Go with Lady Enid, my dear boy. If any telegrams come shall I open--”