Encouraged by
this observation, or rather prompted by an insatiable curiosity,
which was proof against all sorts of apprehension, the disguised
lady returned to the magician's own apartment, and, assuming the
air of a pert chambermaid, "Mr. Conjurer," said she, "now you have
satisfied my mistress, will you be as good as to tell me if ever I
shall be married?" The sage, without the least hesitation, favoured
her with an answer, in the following words: "You cannot be married
before you are a widow; and whether or not that will ever be
the case, is a question which my art cannot resolve, because my
foreknowledge exceeds not the term of thirty years."
This reply, which at once cut her off from her pleasing prospect of
seeing herself independent in the enjoyment of youth and fortune,
in a moment clouded her aspect; all her good-humour was overcast,
and she went away, without further inquiry, muttering in the rancour
of her chagrin, that he was a silly impertinent fellow, and a mere
quack in his profession. Notwithstanding the prejudice of this
resentment, her conviction soon recurred; and when the report of
his answers was made to those confederates by whom she had been
deputed to make trial of his skill, they were universally persuaded
that his art was altogether supernatural, though each affected to
treat it with contempt, resolving in her own breast to have recourse
to him in private.
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