_Nelly._ If he is more generous than men usually are.
_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._)
_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.
_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.
_Nelly._ There are marks upon your person known but to yourself.
_Lucy._ (_smiling incredulously_). Can you describe them?
_Nelly._ To prove my power before I read your destiny, I will. You have a large mole beneath your right shoulder. (_Lucy starts._) You have a scar on your instep by falling over a sickle in your infancy. Nay, more. (_Nelly whispers her._)
_Nelly._ So much to prove that I am no impostor. Now, let me see your hand. (_Lucy holds out her hand trembling._) You have lost your fortune, and your rank in society--but you will soon regain them. The cloud is dispersing from before the sun of your happiness. Sweet girl, I wish thee joy!