[_Striding towards him._] Who art _thou_?--a friend of yonder serpent's?
[_Indignantly._] Oh, I say! "Serpent," you know! "Serpent" is a bit----
No, no, I repudiate him. I represent this unfortunate family--_they_ repudiate him too.
[_Together._] Yes, yes, indeed--_indeed_ we do!
[_HORACE sinks speechlessly on chair by sofa on right._
[_To PRINGLE._] I will hearken unto thee, for indeed thou seemest a person of abundant intelligence and excellent conduct.
You're very kind--I hope I _am_. Hem! [_Going nearer FAKRASH._] I am sure, sir, that, if you had realised the serious embarrassment you have caused the members of this household by transforming its head into a one-eyed mule, you would never have allowed your--your sense of humour to carry you so far.
For mine own safety was it accomplished--for the sage threatened to deliver me into custody.
[_Starting up and coming towards FAKRASH._] He never _meant_ it! And, anyhow, _you're_ safe enough!
[_Turning on him fiercely._] Hold thy lying tongue!
Ventimore, I must beg you not to interfere.
Damn it all, Pringle, he's _my_ Jinnee--not yours!
[_He attempts to join MRS. FUTVOYE and SYLVIA, who turn their backs on him, after which he returns to his former place, crushed._
[_To FAKRASH._] Evidently, sir, there has been some slight misunderstanding on both sides. But I feel confident that, if you will only consent to see this unfortunate gentleman, the matter can very soon be amicably arranged.
I am here for this very purpose. Let this learned man appear before me.
I won't keep you waiting long. [_He goes up to the sliding-doors and calls._] Professor! If you will kindly step this way, Mr. Fakrash would be glad to see you.
[_A pause. THE MULE comes slowly on from the left side of the sliding doors._
[_Trying to be polite and at his ease._] Er--how do you do, Professor? Sorry to see you looking so--so unlike yourself. [_THE MULE shows irritation; PRINGLE retreats nervously; then, in an undertone to MRS. FUTVOYE._] He--he can't jump that sofa, can he?
[_In an undertone, to him._] Of course not--that's why it's there!
[_To FAKRASH._] A distinguished archæologist, sir, a corresponding member of every learned society in Europe--reduced to these extremities! [_To THE MULE, which seems to feel its position acutely._] Professor, as Ventimore has refused to interfere, I have taken on myself to assure this--this venerable Jane----