Let's resume the test? (Patreon)

 While Keyboard and Scarlet Tips deciphered the meaning of the brass poles that Scratch had purchased in my Equestria dreamscape other ponies were awaiting mail from the performer.

 
 Marble Vein levitated a stiff white card up above her head. It was roughly 14"x 17" in size and written on side facing away from her was: 

  2 + 5 = 8

  "Is this the correct answer?" She closed her eyes for several seconds; then she nodded her head. 

  
  "Very good. that is not the right answer." She levitated another card up and away from herself it had a drawing of kitten on it. In a soft, soothing voice she spoke.

   
  "Is this puppy?" Once again the mare closed her eyes after a moment she spoke.

   
  "That is correct. It is not a puppy it's a kitten. What co..." 

  A wall mounted bell chimed softly by closed double doors of her study. Pausing, she set the next card down rose from the divan she'd been resting on. She walked over and the opened the door. Standing their was Prim & Proper her butler. The unicorn stallion nodded his head. 

  
  "Sorry to interrupt your research M'am but you told me to inform you the moment anymore correspondence arrived from Ft. Trotterdale." He levitated a letter toward her. "This arrived in the morning post not more than 5 minutes ago." 

  Marble reached out with her own levitation and took possession of the letter. She smiled at the older stallion. "Thank you Prim. I've been looking forward to this." 

  The dusty red stallion turned to leave but then paused. "Will you be partaking of your lunch at 1pm? The cook has prepared spinach and cheese quiche. It's rather exceptional today." 

  The dove grey mare smiled. "Yes please." she said softly. "That would be quite nice. Especially with a fruit bowl and some iced tea. I'll take it out on the veranda." 

  "I'll make the necessary arrangements M'am." 

  
  The stallion nodded his head one more time and then left. Marble watched him walk away for a moment. Then she turned and walked back into her study, closing the doors behind her. She sauntered over to the desk and retrieve the old scalpel that she used as a letter opener. With one smooth stroke the blade sliced open the crisp white envelope. As she expected inside were her steamship tickets and train credits for her trip to Ft. Trotterdale. 

  
  Opening a desk drawer she deposited the items into a lockable strongbox that was built into the massive walnut desk. With that accomplished she made her way back to the divan and laid down again. 

  
  "Sorry about the interruption, but I have been eagerly awaiting that letter." She looked up at the marble statue of an earth pony mare that stood on the plinth. She smiled and levitated the next card up. Facing the statue was a large painted square of red.  

 
  "let's resume the test? What color is this?" 

 To be continued.