of astrology, yet, as it has sometimes happened that inquiries
into futurity, undertaken in jest, have in their results produced
serious and unpleasant effects both upon actions and characters, I
really wish you would dispense with my replying to your question.'

It was easy to see that this evasive answer only rendered the
Laird's curiosity more uncontrollable. Mannering, however, was
determined in his own mind not to expose the infant to the
inconveniences which might have arisen from his being supposed the
object of evil prediction. He therefore delivered the paper into
Mr. Bertram's hand, and requested him to keep it for five years
with the seal unbroken, until the month of November was expired.
After that date had intervened he left him at liberty to examine
the writing, trusting that, the first fatal period being then
safely overpassed, no credit would be paid to its farther
contents. This Mr. Bertram was content to promise, and Mannering,
to ensure his fidelity, hinted at misfortunes which would
certainly take place if his injunctions were neglected. The rest
of the day, which Mannering, by Mr. Bertram's invitation, spent at
Ellangowan, passed over without anything remarkable; and on the
morning of that which followed the traveller mounted his palfrey,
bade a courteous adieu to his hospitable landlord and to his
clerical attendant, repeated his good wishes for the prosperity of
the family, and then, turning his horse's head towards England,
disappeared from the sight of the inmates of Ellangowan. He must
also disappear from that of our readers, for it is to another and
later period of his life that the present narrative relates.