Those words were
words of truth and power, and compel the future and 'the will be' as
with chains of brass. They must be fulfilled, yet not by Ranulph. He
shall never wed Eleanor."

"Whom then shall she wed?"

"His elder brother."

"Mother!" shrieked Sybil. "Do you say so? Oh! recall your words."

"I may not; it is spoken. Luke shall wed her."

"Oh God, support me!" exclaimed Sybil.

"Silly wench, be firm. It must be as I say. He shall wed her--yet shall
he wed her not. The nuptial torch shall be quenched as soon as lighted;
the curse of the avenger shall fall--yet not on thee."

"Mother," said Sybil, "if sin must fall upon some innocent head, let it
be on mine--not upon hers. I love him, I would gladly die for him. She
is young--unoffending--perhaps happy. Oh! do not let her perish."

"Peace, I say!" cried Barbara, "and mark me. This is your birthday.
Eighteen summers have flown over your young head--eighty winters have
sown their snows on mine. _You_ have yet to learn. Years have brought
wrinkles--they have brought wisdom likewise. To struggle with Fate, I
tell you, is to wrestle with Omnipotence. We may foresee, but not avert
our destiny. What will be, shall be. This is your eighteenth birthday,
Sybil: it is a day of fate to you; in it occurs your planetary hour--an
hour of good or ill, according to your actions. I have cast your
horoscope. I have watched your natal star; it is under the baleful
influence of Scorpion, and fiery Saturn sheds his lurid glance upon it.
Let me see your hand. The line of life is drawn out distinct and
clear--it runs--ha! what means that intersection? Beware--beware, my
Sybil. Act as I tell you, and you are safe. I will make another trial,
by the crystal bowl. Attend."

Muttering some strange words, sounding like a spell, Barbara, with the
bifurcate hazel staff which she used as a divining-rod, described a
circle upon the floor. Within this circle she drew other lines, from
angle to angle, forming seven triangles, the bases of which constituted
the sides of a septilateral figure. This figure she studied intently for
a few moments. She then raised her wand and touched the owl with it. The
bird unfolded its wings, and arose in flight; then slowly circled round
the pendulous globe. Each time it drew nearer, until at length it
touched the glassy bowl with its flapping pinions.

"Enough!" ejaculated Barbara. And at another motion from her rod the
bird stayed its flight and returned