The Prophet started.
“I cannot possibly consent—” he began.
“Pray, Mr. Vivian, listen to me,” interposed Madame Sagittarius.
“Pray, sir, attend to Madame!” said Mr. Sagittarius, sternly.
“But I must really—”
“January,” said Madame, “is a month of grave importance to grandmothers this year, is it not, Jupiter?”
“Yes, my dear. In consequence of Scorpio being in the sign of Sagittarius. The crab will be very busy up till the third of February.”
“Just so.”
“At which date the little dog, my love, assumes the roll of maleficence towards the aged.”
“I know. Cane cavem. When was the old lady born, Mr. Vivian, if you please?”