"Ah, Molly," said he, "you can see into the future, they say. Well,
come now, tell me my fortune; but they say one must cross your palm with
silver before you can manage the fates; here's a shilling for you, and
let us hear what you have to say."

"No, sir," replied Molly, putting back his hand, "imposthors may do
that, because they secure themselves first and tell you nothing worth
knowin' afterwards. I take no money till I first tell the fortune."

"Well, Molly, that's honest at all events; let me hear what you have to
tell me."

"Show me your hand, sir," said she, and taking it, she looked into it
with a solemn aspect. "There, sir," she said, "that will do. I am sorry
I met you this evening."

"Why so, Molly?"

"Because I read in your hand a great deal of sorrow."

"Pooh, you foolish woman--nonsense!"

"There's a misfortune likely to happen to one of your family; but I
think it may be prevented."

"How will it be prevented?"

"By a gentleman that has a title and great wealth, and that loves the
member of your family that the misfortune is likely to happen to."