“And now bring me a sandwich, a glass of toast and water and a fan, if you please. Yes, put the footstool well under me.”
“Dearest grannie,” said the Prophet, when the men had retired, “are you in great pain?”
“No, Hennessey. Are you?”
Mrs. Merillia’s green eyes twinkled.
“I!”
“Yes, at my accident. For my ankle is sprained, I’m almost sure, and I shall have to lie up presently in wet bandages. Tell me, are you really pained that I have had the accident you prophesied?”
She glanced from her grandson to the telescope that pointed toward the stars and back again.
“I am, indeed, sincerely grieved,” the Prophet answered with genuine emotion.
“Yes. But if I’d jumped out all right, and was sittin’ here now in a perfect condition of health, you’d have been sincerely grieved, too.”
“I hope not, grannie,” said the Prophet. But he looked meditative.