._ A gentleman's son, no doubt. But I shall discover more when I
consult the stars anon. You must return.

_Peter._ That I surely will. Consult the old stars, if you please.

_Nelly._ I always do, sir; no dependence upon the others. In fact, we've
quarrelled. I am hardly on speaking terms with them.

_Peter._ Speaking terms with the stars! How intimate you must be!

_Nelly._ You'll have to cross my hand again. Golden truths will not come
out without gold.

_Peter._ What! gold again?

_Nelly._ Yes, another guinea. One for telling you who you are not, and
another for telling you who you are. Don't you see?

_Peter._ One for telling me who I am not. Yes, that's told; I am not my
father's son. They say it's a wise man who knows his own father.

_Nelly._ Wisely said.

_Peter._ And another for telling me who I am. Well, I think that is as
well worth a guinea as the other.

_Nelly._ Better, I should imagine.

_Peter._ Yes, better. Well, good-bye, good woman. I'll be sure to be
here.

_Nelly._ Fail not, or you'll repent it. (_Exit Peter._) The gudgeon
takes the bait kindly. Peter, Peter, you had always an immense swallow.
When Sally Stone nursed him, she was forced to feed the little cormorant
with a tablespoon. As far as I can see, notwithstanding his partnership
education with the young Squire, I think the grown babe should be fed
with spoon-meat still. But what dainty lasses are these that come this
way? Lucy and Miss Etheridge--how fortunate!

_Enter Agnes and Lucy._

_Lucy._ There is the woman; so, if you are inclined to hear her
nonsense, you must wait the Sibyl's pleasure.

_Agnes._ I hope she will not keep us long, or my brother will arrive
before we return. (_Nelly advances._)

_Nelly._ Save you, fair lady! which of you will first look into
futurity?

_Lucy._ This young lady. (_Pointing to Agnes._)

_Nelly._ Then you must retire out of hearing.

_Agnes._ No, no; I have no secrets from her. She must stay.

_Nelly._ That cannot be, my art will be useless, and I decline the task.

_Lucy._ Yield to her mummery, it can make no difference.

_Agnes._ Well, then, Lucy, don't go far away.

_Lucy._ I'll be out of hearing, but not out of sight.

[_Lucy retires, and amuses herself in collecting flowers._

_Nelly._ Your name is Agnes.

_Agnes._ (_laughing_). I know that; and I am the daughter of Sir Gilbert
of the Hall. Come, I'll help you, good woman.

_Nelly._ I did not say the last.

_Agne