In the meantime, the maid, though laid under the most peremptory
injunctions of secrecy, was so full of the circumstance which
related to her own conduct, that she extolled his prescience, in
whispers, to all acquaintances, assuring them, that he had told
her all the particulars of her life; so that his fame was almost
instantaneously conveyed, through a thousand different channels,
to all parts of the town; and, the very next time he assumed the
chair, his doors were besieged by curious people of all sects and
denominations.
Being an old practitioner in this art, Cadwallader knew it would
be impossible for him to support his reputation in the promiscuous
exercise of fortune-telling, because every person that should come
to consult him would expect a sample of his skill relating to things
past; and it could not be supposed that he was acquainted with the
private concerns of every individual who might apply to him for that
purpose. He, therefore, ordered his minister, whom he distinguished
by the name of Hadgi Rourk, to signify to all those who demanded
entrance, that his price was half a guinea; and that all such as
were not disposed to gratify him with that consideration, would do
well to leave the passage free for the rest.
Pages:
1059
1060
1061
1062
1063
1064
1065
1066
1067
1068
1069
1070
1071
1072
1073
1074
1075
1076
1077
1078
1079
1080
1081
1082
1083