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Rh fortune-telling. Do pray go, and be introduced to the future."

He handed Madame de Mercœur, and the Duc de Candale conducted Francesca.

"Are you very anxious," asked he, "to consult the sibyl?"

"Nay," replied Francesea; "I want faith."

"You will," replied he, "nevertheless be amused with Madame de I'Hôpital's tact; she knows enough of the history of the individuals around to give a shrewd guess at the favourite fantasy of each, and that it will be successful is the summing up of her prophecy. She tells each what he wishes, and so obtains an easy belief."

"She would be puzzled to tell mine," answered his companion, "for I am sure I wish for nothing."

"I cannot emulate your philosophy," said the Duc, in a hurried tone. But a sudden movement of the crowd interrupted their conversation, and brought them directly in front of the table. The Chevalier de Joinville was in the very act of having his futurity unveiled.

"A most monotonous piece of business this," said Madame la Maréchale, "to have only good to prophesy—nothing but hearts and diamonds. You are sadly uninteresting, Chevalier; I wish I