the first time, though they had been ten years married. At such an
emergency, the laird said he feared his guest might meet with some
apparent neglect. "Not so, sir," said the stranger; "my wants are few,
and easily supplied; and I trust the present circumstances may even
afford an opportunity of showing my gratitude for your hospitality. Let
me only request that I may be informed of the exact minute of the birth;
and I hope to be able to put you in possession of some particulars which
may influence in an important manner the future prospects of the child
now about to come into this busy and changeful world. I will not conceal
from you that I am skilful in understanding and interpreting the
movements of those planetary bodies which exert their influences on the
destiny of mortals. It is a science which I do not practise, like others
who call themselves astrologers, for hire or reward; for I have a
competent estate, and only use the knowledge I possess for the benefit
of those in whom I feel an interest." The laird bowed in respect and
gratitude, and the stranger was accommodated with an apartment which
commanded an ample view of the astral regions. The guest spent a part
of the night in ascertaining the position of the heavenly bodies, and
calculating their probable influence; until at length the result of his
observations induced him to send for the father, and conjure him in
the most solemn manner to cause the assistants to retard the birth, if
practicable, were it but for five minutes. The answer declared this to
be impossible; and almost in the instant that the message was returned,
the father and his guest were made acquainted with the birth of a boy.

The astrologer on the morrow met the party who gathered around the
breakfast-table with looks so grave and ominous, as to alarm the fears
of the father, who had hitherto exulted in the prospects held out by the
birth of an heir to his ancient property, failing which event it must
have passed to a distant branch of the family. He hastened to draw the