and running lightly up the stairs, conducted the guest into an anteroom,
where she waited but for a few moments before she was admitted into Madame
Liehbur's apartment.

The effect that the personal beauty of the diviner always produced on
those who beheld her was not less powerful than usual on the surprised and
admiring gaze of Lady Erpingham. She bowed her haughty brow with
involuntary respect, and took the seat to which the enthusiast beckoned.

"And what, lady," said the soothsayer, in the foreign music of her low
voice, "what brings thee hither? Wouldst thou gain, or hast thou lost,
that gift our poor sex prizes so dearly beyond its value? Is it of love
that thou wouldst speak to the interpreter of dreams and the priestess of
the things to come?"

While the bright-eyed Liehbur thus spoke, the countess examined through
her veil the fair face before her, comparing it with that description
which Godolphin had given her of the sculptor's daughter, and her
suspicion acquired new strength.

"I seek not that which you allude to," said Constance; "but of the future,
although without any definite object, I would indeed like to question you.
All of us love to pry into dark recesses hid from our view, and over which
you profess the empire."

"Your voice is sweet, but commanding," said the oracle; and your air is
stately, as of one born in courts. Lift your veil, that I may gaze upon
your face, and tell by its lines the fate your character has shaped for
you."