"Percival Thorne is an uncommonly lucky fellow," she
colored, but only that transient flush betrayed her, for she answered
readily: "Why, Mr. Hardwicke, what a dreadful thing to say to me! I hope
you don't have second-sight or anything horrible of that sort?"

"Second-sight!" Henry repeated doubtfully, looking down at a little
dangling eye-glass: "what's that?"

"Oh, you must know. Isn't it second-sight when you can tell if people
are going to die? You see them in their winding-sheets, and they are low
down if it will only be rather soon. But if it is to be quite directly
their shrouds are wrapped round them high up. What was mine like, that
you said Percival Thorne was so lucky? Up to here?" And, standing before
him, she smiled and touched her chin.

"God forbid!" said Henry. "How can you say such fearful things?"

"Oh, you didn't see it, then? I'm very glad."

"Good Heavens! no! And I don't believe it. I didn't mean that Thorne
would be lucky if you _died_!"

"I can't do him any good any other way," said Sissy with sweet
composure; "but I don't think I'm going to die, so I don't suppose I
shall do him any good at all. Do you think this is a strange fancy of
mine? The truth is, Aunt Middleton and I have been unhappy about
Percival ever since last May, because we know his grandfather meant to
have done something for him. He isn't rich, and he ought to have had
Brackenhill; so I should like him to have my money if I die. It is only
a chance, because I dare say I may live fifty years or so--only
fancy!--but I would rather Percival had the chance than Sir Charles.
That's all. You'll explain it to your father? It can't do any harm if it
does no good."

"Oh no: I see. It can't do any harm."

"And now I'll be off," laughed Sissy. "How dreadfully I have made you
waste your time! I dare say if I hadn't been here you would have written
ever so many things on parchment and tied them up with red tape."

"Oh yes, quantities!" Hardwicke replied as he escorted her to the door.
"A cartload at least. I'm glad you think I'm so industrious."

Standing outside, he said something about her horse. He did not like
Firefly's look, and he told her so. Moreover, he threatened to tell Mrs.
Middleton his bad opinion of Sissy's favorite.

"Nonsense!" she answered lightly. "There's nothing to be afraid of." But
suddenly she turned and looked at him. "Don't you really think Firefly
is safe?" she said. "Well, I must see about it.--Willia