"Of course you gave it; but such a sum ought to have bought you a very handsome fortune."
"So the Sybil seemed to think, for she told me I was greatly beloved by a young lady with dark eyes."
"You are cold; we will finish the fortune teller in the house."
"Let me lead him back to the garden, you forget I am responsible to Mrs. Fitzpatrick for your well-being. I will go on; though I did not know you were superstitious."
"Well, I ventured to hint that these pleasing events always told better when there was a strong contrast between the parties; and that I should be obliged to the Sybil to furnish my young lady with blue eyes before she proceeded any farther. But my Zingara was not so accommodating, 'she did not like,' she said, 'to trifle with the stars; the dark eyed lady insisted on being attached to me. But, she would work me an incredible deal of woe.'"
"Ah!" cried Aveline raising her voice almost to a shriek, "what did she say. Tell me how--what came next?"
"I'll tell you what, Miss Fitzpatrick," said he leading the pony up the stony staircase, "when I was a great many years younger, I have sat up telling ghost stories at Christmas, until I was afraid to look behind me; but I never heard that this sport was good for an invalid. You are as much afraid of gipsies as I was of ghosts. We will talk of something else."
"No, but finish I entreat you," said Aveline in a gentle tone.
"Why the Sybil told me that I should survive this injury, whatever it was; but she declined being more explicit. She also said that I should be very happy by and bye, perhaps she meant in Heaven. I hope so. But I gave her another crown and wished her good day."
"Ah!" said Aveline, "my gipsy was more explicit."
"And what news did she give you for your money?"
"Yes, do; that I may laugh you out of it?"
"She told me I should break the heart of the person I loved best; and that I should die young."
"Ah! my mother. Shall I not break her heart," said Aveline, with a sudden burst of tears.
"Never; you are in ill-health, and attach a meaning to words you would laugh at, if you were stronger. I do believe the worst suffering in illness is the dejection it causes. You should not allow yourself to be so weighed down."