ent for Mrs. Warne,
and asked whether she had secured rooms in which to play the part of a
fortune-teller.

"Yes," she replied, "I have rented three rooms on Clark street, which
are just suited for the purpose. There are two entrances, so that you
can slip in at any time without being seen by my visitors."

"Well, you had better have them fitted up as soon as possible. I will
drop in to look at them to-day."

"No," she answered, "I don't wish you to come until I have completed my
preparations. The rooms are on the second floor, and have not been
occupied for some time; hence they will need considerable cleaning. You
are too busy to attend to the furnishing and arranging, so I will
relieve you of all the trouble; only give me _carte-blanche_ for the
purpose of furnishing the rooms, and I know you will not regret it."

"All right," said I; "you have my permission to do as you please, and
you can get whatever money you need from the cashier. All I ask is that
everything be done in the best manner. When you are ready to begin
operations let me know, so that I can have an audience with the great
fortune-teller in advance of the general public."

During the next four days, nothing of any consequence occurred. The
Captain reported that his sister was gaining so fast in health and
strength that he thought she was able to go back to Connecticut. Of
course, I was obliged to oppose the journey at that time, since I wished
to bring Mrs. Thayer before my fortune-teller. Miss Seaton reported that
she was on quite intimate terms with Mrs. Thayer; but the latter never
talked about her own affairs. She wrote daily to Pattmore, and received
daily letters in reply.

At length, Mrs. Warne reported that her temple of magic was in complete
order, and that she would be ready to receive me that afternoon.

"Very well," I replied; "I will drop in to have my fortune told about
three o'clock. Have you arranged it wholly to your own satisfaction?"

"Yes; it is nearly perfect."

"Whom have you engaged for an usher?" I inquired.

"You must not ask questions now," she answered, laughing. "I have taken
more liberties than I ever dared to take before; but I think, when you
consider the object to be gained, that you will be satisfied."

"Well, I hope your rooms are as mysterious as your answers would lead me
to expect," said I. "However, I shall be there promptly at three
o'clock, so I will restrain my curiosity for the present."

At the a