to give me the five francs, I will not exact any fee."

She pointed with a shaking finger to the door, and Sylvia put a
five-franc piece down on the table.

But before her visitors had quite groped their way to the end of the
short, steep staircase, they heard a cry.

"Mesdames!" then after a moment's pause, "Mesdames, I implore you to come
back!"

They looked at one another, and then Anna, putting her finger to her
lips, went back up the stairs, alone.

"Well," she said, briefly, "I knew you had something to tell me. What is
it?"

"No," said Madame Cagliostra dully. "I must have the other lady here,
too. You must both be present to hear what I have to say."

Anna went to the door and called out, "Come up Sylvia! She wants to see
us both together."

There was a thrill of excitement, of eager expectancy in Madame Wolsky's
voice; and Sylvia, surprised, ran up again into the little room, now full
of light, sun, and air.

"Stand side by side," ordered the soothsayer shortly. She stared at them
for a moment, and then she said with extreme earnestness:--