The penalty of a refusal is well known!'
Therewith the curtains were drawn back, and a scene was presented which
made some of the spectators start. Behind was the semblance of a wall
marked with the joints of large stones, and lighted (apparently) with
two brass lamps. On the floor lay extended an enormous mummy, with the
regulation canvas case, and huge flaps of ears, between which appeared
a small, painted face, and below lay a long, gaily coloured scroll in
hieroglyphics. Exalted stiffly in a seat placed on a seeming block of
stone, was a figure, with elbows, as it were glued to its sides, and
hands crossed, altogether stone-coloured and monumental, and with the
true Sphynx head, surrounded with beetles, lizards, and other mystic
creatures (very chocolate-coloured). And beside her stood the Herr
Professor, in a red fez, long dark gown, and spectacles, a flowing
beard concealing the rest of his face. How delightful to see such an
Egyptologist! Even though one perfectly knew the family beard and fez;
also that the gown was papa's old dressing-gown, captured for the
theatrical wardrobe. And how grand to hear him speak, even though his
broken English continually became more vernacular.
'Liebes Herrschaft,' he began, 'I would, nobles, gentry, and ladies
say. You here see the embalmed rests of the celebrated monarch Nic-nac-
ci-no. Lately up have I them graben, and likewise his tutelar Sphynx
have found, and have even to give signs of animation compelled.
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