TWO PSEUDO-SCIENCES 



calculated and looked on the stranger, 'and of illus- 

 trious title.' The stranger made a graceful inclina- 

 tion of the head in token of acknowledgment of the 

 complimentary remarks, and the astrologer proceeded 

 with his mission. 



"The celestial signs were ominous of calamity to 

 the stranger, who, probably observing a sudden change 

 in the countenance of the astrologer, eagerly inquired 

 what evil or good fortune had been assigned him by 

 the celestial orbs. 



'"To the first part of your inquiry,' said the astrol- 

 oger, ' I can readily reply. You have been a favorite 

 of fortune ; her smiles on you have been abundant, her 

 frowns but few; you have had, perhaps now possess, 

 wealth and power; the impossibility of their accom- 

 plishment is the only limit to the fulfilment of your 

 desires.' " 



'"You have spoken truly of the past/ said the 

 stranger. ' I have full faith in your revelations of the 

 future : what say you of my pilgrimage in this life is 

 it short or long?' 



"I regret,' replied the astrologer, in answer to this 

 inquiry, ' to be the herald of ill, though true, fortune ; 

 your sojourn on earth will be short.' 



"How short?' eagerly inquired the excited and 

 anxious stranger. 



"Give me a momentary truce,' said the astrologer; 

 'I will consult the horoscope, and may possibly find 

 some mitigating circumstances.' 



"Having cast his eyes over the celestial map, and 

 paused for some moments, he surveyed the counte- 

 nance of the stranger with great sympathy, and said, 



153 



