“I will very soon see,” replied the Prophet, in a most determined manner.
“But Mr. Viv—”
“Don’t hold me, if you please. Kindly let me pass!”
And, breaking from the lady’s anxious grasp, the Prophet rushed into the hall just as Gustavus appeared, descending the front stairs from the landing before Mrs. Merillia’s door, where he had been in close conference with Mrs. Fancy.
“Stand back, Gustavus,” said the Prophet.
“Sir!”
“Stand back!”
“But, sir, there is someone—”
“I know there is. I am about to answer the door myself.”
“If you please, sir, Mrs. Merillia is greatly alarmed by the constant ringing, and Mrs. Fancy thinks—”