Olla Podrida Part 30

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.

_Lucy._ Nay, Agnes, I have no curiosity.

_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 amus.e.m.e.nt. 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 a.s.serted powers?

_Lucy._ I should certainly feel more inclined.

_Nelly._ There are marks upon your person known but to yourself.

_Lucy._ 'Tis very possible.

_Nelly._ Can you recollect them?

_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._)

_Lucy._ Merciful heavens!

_Nelly._ Are you satisfied?

_Lucy._ I'm a little frightened.

_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!

_Lucy._ What mean you?

_Nelly._ Others will tell you soon. There are two in the secret, Nelly Armstrong and Martha Bargrove.

_Lucy._ My mother!

_Nelly._ No, not your mother. I said, Martha Bargrove. (_Lets go her hand._) Lucy Etheridge, fare thee well. [_Exit Nelly._

_Lucy._ O G.o.d! Agnes, Agnes! (_Agnes runs up to her._)

_Agnes._ My dear Lucy, has she frightened you too?

_Lucy._ O yes! indeed she has. Let us go home, Miss Agnes, I am so unhappy.

_Agnes._ So am I, Lucy. I wish we had never seen the odious woman.

[_Exeunt ambo, arm in arm, crying._

_Act II. Scene I._

_A Drawing-room in the Hall._

_Enter Captain Etheridge, Captain Mertoun, and William._

_Will._ Sir Gilbert be within gunshot, Captain Edward, and I'll make sail after him. I think he have the gardener in tow.

_Capt. Eth._ You will oblige me, William. How are you, my good fellow?

You look dull; what's the news here?

_Will._ Why, Mr Edward, mortal bad. There be a misfortune happened in the family this morning.

_Capt. Eth._ Not to my father, I trust?

_Capt. Mer._ Not to Miss Etheridge?

_Will._ No; it be, Mr Edward, that Sir Gilbert have given me warning, and I have a month's law to find another berth.

(_Captain Etheridge and Mertoun look at each other, and laugh._)

_Capt. Eth._ Well, William, I think I can doctor that.

_Will._ I'se afraid not, Mr Edward, for the Admiral be superseded--has hauled down his flag, and I'd as soon have my discharge as not.

(_Putting his finger to his nose._) A woman be at the bottom of all mischief.

_Capt. Eth._ You observe, Mertoun, how things are managed here. Now if any difference or dispute arise between my father and mother, do you immediately espouse the cause of the lady. Recollect, I'll bear you harmless.

_Capt. Mer._ I am guided by you; but I'm going to observe--

_Enter Sir Gilbert._

_Adm._ My dear Edward, welcome again to your inheritance!

_Capt. Eth._ Thanks, my dear father. Allow me to introduce to you my most particular friend, Captain Mertoun, of our regiment.

_Adm._ Sir, you have the welcome of a father who loves all whom his children love.

_Capt. Mer._ Sir Gilbert, I am indeed flattered by your kind expressions.

_Enter Lady Etheridge._

_Capt. Eth._ My dear mother, permit me to renew my duty.