As Mr. Ferdinand was unable to open the door, paralysis having apparently supervened, the Prophet did so, and the cheerful little party emerged upon the step to find Lady Enid Thistle in the very act of pressing the electric bell. When she beheld the vivacious trio, all agog for their morning’s expedition, come thus suddenly upon her, she cried out musically,-- “Why, where are you off to?” The Prophet was much embarrassed by the encounter. “I am taking these lit”--he caught the staring eye of Capricornus--“these friends of mine for a little walk,” he said. “I’ll come with you,” said Lady Enid, with an almost Highland decision. “I’ve got something to say to you, and we can talk as we go.” She glanced very inquisitively indeed at the two children, who had begun to frisk at sight of the square all bathed in winter sunshine. The Prophet was very much upset. “Don’t you think--” he began. “It will be delightful to have some exercise,” she interrupted firmly. “Which way are you going?” “Which way! Oh, to--towards--” The Prophet stopped. He did not know from what point the purple ‘bus started to gain the Pork Butcher’s Rest. Capricornus hastened to inform him. “We take the purple ‘bus at the corner of Air Street,” he piped. “The purple ‘bus!” cried Lady Enid. “The purple bus!” She glanced searchingly at the Prophet. “Ah!” she murmured, “so you are taking a purple ‘bus to your double life!” He could not deny it. They were now all walking forward in the sun and as the little Corona and Capricornus became speedily intent upon the wonders of this central district, Lady Enid and the Prophet were able to have a quiet word or two together. “I came to tell you,” she said, “that Mrs. Vane Bridgeman will expect you to-night at--” “I am engaged at eleven,” cried the Prophet, in despair at the imposition of this fresh burden upon his weary shoulders. “I know. To the Lord Chancellor, but--” “No. I have an engagement which I dare not break, at home.” “Really!” She gazed at him with her large, handsome grey eyes, and added,-- “I do believe you’re silly enough to live your double life at home sometimes. How splendid!” “No, no! I assure you--” “Of course you do! You dear foolish thing! You’re ever so much sillier than I am. You’re my master.” “No, indeed, no, no!” “But you can go to Mrs. Bridgeman’s for an hour easily. She expects you and I’ve promised that you will go.” “It’s very kind of you, but really--” “So that’s settled. You’ll meet me there, but don’t forget I’m Miss Minerva Partridge. The address is Zoological House, Regent’s Park, that big house in a garden just outside the Zoo.” “The big house in the Zoological Gardens,” said the Prophet, feebly. “Thank you very much.” “No, no, outside the Zoo. And then we can arrange to-night about your introducing her to Mr. Sagittarius.” “Hush! Hush!” whispered the Prophet. But he was too late. The long ears of the little pitchers had caught the well-known word.