"To be sure," rejoined his brother; "it would be a thousand pities to throw away such a chance of fun."

"My dear boys，what are you thinking about?" exclaimed Mrs. Lynn.

"I cannot possibly countenance any such inconsistent proceeding," chimed in the Dowager Ingram.

"Indeed，mama，but you can- and will," pronounced the haughty voice of Blanche，as she turned round on the piano-stool; where till now she had sat silent，apparently examining sundry sheets of music. "I have a curiosity to hear my fortune told: therefore，Sam，order the beldame forward."

"My darling Blanche! recollect-"

"I do- I recollect all you can suggest; and I must have my will- quick，Sam!"

"Yes- yes- yes!" cried all the juveniles，both ladies and gentlemen. "Let her e- it will be excellent sport!"

The footman still lingered. "She looks such a rough one," said he.

"Go!" ejaculated Miss Ingram，and the man went.

Excitement instantly seized the whole party: a running fire of raillery and jests was proceeding when Sam returned.

"She won"t e now," said he. "She says it"s not her mission to appear before the "vulgar herd" (them"s her words). I must show her into a room by herself，and then those who wish to consult her must go to her one by one."

"You see now，my queenly Blanche," began Lady Ingram，"she encroaches. Be advised，my angel girl- and-"

"Show her into the library，of course," cut in the "angel girl,"

"It is not my mission to listen to her before the vulgar herd either: I mean to have her all to myself. Is there a fire in the library?"

"Yes，ma"am- but she looks such a tinkler."