bent down and kissed her cheek with a heartiness which was not all
play. She put out her hand and drew him down on the sofa, at her
side.

"Thank you, dear," she whispered. "It was a pretty compliment, and
we old people enjoy such things, you may be sure."

"It was true," said Alan simply, as he settled himself beside her
with a confiding, little-boyish motion.

The last forfeit had not been redeemed, when the heavy portieres
swung open, and a figure swathed in dark draperies and with a veil
over her face came slowly into the room. The girls gazed
doubtfully at this ghostly apparition, till a brown hand--was
extended and a deep voice spoke from under the veil,--

"I am here to reveal the future. To-night is the time to know the
secret of your coming lives. Let the oldest advance first."

Katharine, still a little in awe of the mysterious stranger,
stepped forward and laid her hand on the dark one before her. The
being scanned it closely.

"A long life," she said, "and a happy one, for you will slowly
learn the joy of doing good to those around you and forgetting
yourself for others. Then, wherever you go, you will be surrounded
with friends and your name will long be remembered."

Katharine smiled, as she stepped back and Jean took her place.