“Delighted!” said Mrs. Bridgeman, making a gracious grimace at Madame, who inclined herself stonily and replied in a sinister voice,—
“It is indeed time that this renconter took place. Henceforth, ma’am, I shall be ever at my husband’s side, per fus et nefus—et nefus, ma’am.”
“So glad,” said Mrs. Bridgeman. “I have been longing for this—”
“Mr. Bernard Wilkins!” roared the tall footman.
Mr. Sagittarius started and Mrs. Bridgeman did the same and smiled.
“Bernard Wilkins the Prophet!” Mr. Sagittarius exclaimed. “From the Rise!”
“Mrs. Eliza Doubleway!” shouted the footman.
“Mrs. Eliza!” cried Mr. Sagittarius, in great excitement. “That’s the soothsayer from the Beck!”
“Madame Charlotte Humm!” yelled the footman.
“Madame Humm!” vociferated Mr. Sagittarius, “the crystal-gazer from the Hill!”