s._ What do you mean?

_Nelly._ I only said that your name was Agnes.

_Agnes._ Well, and I told you more than you knew.

_Nelly._ The stars reveal not what you assert.

_Agnes._ Well, then, I do; so I know more than the stars.

_Nelly._ You are wrong. You know not so much. You are not what you think
you are.

_Agnes._ In the name of wonder, what do you mean?

_Nelly._ I have said it. Let me see your hand. Your fate is a dark one!
Poor young lady! You will be crossed in everything.

_Agnes._ (_laughing faintly_). Love included, I suppose. Shall I not
marry the man of my affections?

_Nelly._ If he is more generous than men usually are.

_Agnes._ I cannot understand you.

_Nelly._ There is a dark cloud hanging over your fate. The storm will
soon rage. Poor young lady!

_Agnes._ You almost frighten me. Speak more intelligibly.

_Nelly._ I have said enough. Agnes _Bargrove_, fare thee well!

_Agnes._ (_astonished_). Agnes Bargrove! what can she mean? Good woman,
will you not tell me more?

_Nelly._ Go home, you will soon hear more from others. (_Aside._) The
wound is given; let it fester. (_Nelly retires._)

_Agnes._ Lucy, Lucy! (_Lucy advances._)

_Lucy._ Dear Agnes, how confused you are! What can be the matter?

_Agnes._ (_much flurried_). I can hardly tell. The woman was so strange.
I was a little surprised--that's all. (_Recovering herself._) Now, Lucy,
it's your turn. (_Nelly comes forward._) There, good woman, is your
money. (_Nelly shakes her head, and refuses it._) How very strange!
Come, Lucy, let her tell your fortune, and then we'll go home.

_Lucy._ Nay, Agnes, I have no curiosity.

_Agnes._ I insist upon it, Lucy. I will not be the only foolish one. I
shall retire until you call me.

_Lucy._ Well, then, as you please. I know my fortune but too well.
(_Sighs._) [_Agnes retires._

_Nelly._ (_looking Lucy earnestly in the face for a time_). You are
perhaps come here for amusement. In olden times there were many false
prophets; but still, some of them were true; so, in these days, there
are many who pretend to our art, but really few who do possess it. Do
you take this for a mocking matter?

_Lucy._ Why, really, good woman, I will not promise to believe all you
may say, but I shall be glad to listen to it.

_Nelly._ I thought as much. But were I to tell you what is known only to
yourself, would you then credit my asserted powers?

_Lucy._ I should certainly feel more inclined.

_Ne