"You think that Margrave exercises some power of that kind over Lilian?
Has he spoken of such a power?"

"Not exactly; but he said that he was sure Lilian possessed a faculty that
he called by some hard name, not clairvoyance, but a faculty, which he
said, when I asked him to explain, was akin to prevision,--to second
sight. Then he talked of the Priestesses who had administered the ancient
oracles. Lilian, he said, reminded him of them, with her deep eyes and
mysterious smile."

"And Lilian heard him? What said she?"

"Nothing; she seemed in fear while she listened."

"He did not offer to try any of those arts practised by professional
mesmerists and other charlatans?"

"I thought he was about to do so, but I forestalled him, saying I never
would consent to any experiment of that kind, either on myself or my
daughter."

"And he replied--"

"With his gay laugh, 'that I was very foolish; that a person possessed of
such a faculty as he attributed to Lilian would, if the faculty were
developed, be an invaluable adviser.' He would have said more, but I
begged him to desist. Still I fancy at times--do not be angry--that he
does somehow or other bewitch her, unconsciously to herself; for she
always knows when he is coming. Indeed, I am not sure that he does not
bewitch myself, for I by no means justify my conduct in admitting him to