"Now, ladies and gentlemen," he continued, "let us put our fingers under the edge of the table. So—yes, that's right. Now then, one, two, three, and all together—up she goes," and the four men and the ladies strained until their arms ached, but the table refused to budge even the fraction of an inch.
Suddenly Delapine removed his hands before any of the circle had time to cease pulling, and called out loudly, "I retire, you have your way."
Such was the force exerted by the members of the circle that the table seemed to be thrown into the air.
The jerk was so great that it sent them all reeling, and Villebois was only just in time to save his wife from falling.
The guests stared at each other in amazement.
"I am sorry your table is broken," said Delapine to the host, "but really you must blame the sitters for pulling so hard."
"Oh, that is nothing, my dear Delapine. The carpenter can mend it to-morrow, and it will be as good as ever."
"By the way, ladies and gentlemen," said the professor, "what do you say to a little music? I think it will calm our nerves, and render us in a more favourable state of mind for some far more wonderful things which I think I shall be able to show you. Perhaps Mademoiselle Payot will favour us with some sweet melody with her violin."
Renée blushed, and the guests signifying their approval, she went and fetched her music.
"What shall I play, Monsieur Delapine?" she asked a little nervously.