Naturally courteous, however, and
reluctant to give offence, she allowed the woman to advance, especially
as she could perceive from the earnestness of her manner that she was
anxious to speak with her.
"Well, Caterine," said she, "I hope you are not coming to tell my
fortune to-day; I am not in spirits to hear much of the future, be
it good or bad. Will you not go up to the house? They will give you
something to eat."
"Thank you, Miss Alice, I will go up by and by; but in the manetime,
what fortune could any one tell you but good fortune? There's nothin'
else before you; and if there is, I'm come to put you on your guard
against it, as I will, plaise goodness. I heard what I'm goin' to
mention to you on good autority, and, as I know it's true, I think
it's but right you should know of it, too." Alice immediately became
agitated; but mingled with that agitation was a natural wish--perhaps
it might be a pardonable curiosity, under the circumstances--to hear
how what the woman had to disclose could affect herself. Being nervous,
restless, and depressed, she was just in the very frame of mind to
receive such an impression as might be deeply prejudicial to the ease of
her heart--perhaps her happiness, and consequently her health.
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