e, had she been stronger
physically; but I was afraid to test her endurance too far in one day. I
had arranged a series of simple signals, which would not attract the
attention of any one but Lucille, and I therefore signalled to her that
she might close the interview. Mrs. Thayer lifted her head to look at
Lucille a few moments after the latter had spoken of her brother, and
said:

"You are the strangest woman I have ever met. You have told me things
which I believed were known only by myself. All that you have said is
the truth; but you do not tell me enough. I wish to know what I must do
to make amends for all the wrong I have done. I have been very wicked, I
know."

"If you really wish to do right, there is still a prospect that you may
be happy. My duty is to show you that you are doing wrong, and to help
you to change your course of action."

"Will you not tell me about my--"

Mrs. Thayer could not complete the sentence, but she evidently meant
Pattmore, so Lucille said:

"Yes, my child; I will tell you all to-morrow; but I think you are
unable to bear more at present. I will point out two paths, and will
show you where each one of them leads; then, if you wish, I will give
you my advice; after that, all will depend upon yourself. You can be
happy again, if you decide to follow my counsel."

"Indeed, I will try to do so," replied Mrs. Thayer. "I have suffered
myself to be led astray; but, hereafter, I will be guided by you. I
never before heard a fortune-teller who could talk as you do,--you give
such good advice."

"I endeavor to use my powers for the good of mankind," said Lucille,
solemnly. "I speak only what I know to be true. When I have told you
all, you must decide upon your course; and, if you choose the right one,
you will, doubtless, be very happy. Be careful that you do not reveal to
any one the knowledge you have this day learned from me; when you have
heard all, you can tell as much as you please. Farewell, my child; be
here promptly at ten o'clock to-morrow, for my time is precious."

Mrs. Thayer withdrew, joined Miss Seaton in the reception room, and they
returned home. Lucille then received in rapid succession the visitors
who had made appointments the previous day. She had a note-book filled
with information obtained by my detectives, and she was thus enabled to
satisfy them all immediately; or else, to postpone telling their
fortunes until the next day. Then the new arrivals were admitt