Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-10-29
DISTRESSED HEARTS
on THE
WORK OF A FORTUNE TELLER.


Jennie, was you ever at a fortune tel
ler's p asked Hattie Brown, q Miss ofsixteen,
of Jennie Mason, who for several years had
been her school mate and bosom friend.
why, no, Hattie you know | have not.
What makes you ask me such a question"
just read this advertisement in the news
paper. A lady advertises she can tell not
only events in ones past history, but predict
the future
sPshaw what nonsense. You know,
Hattie, that is impossible. Heaven alone
knows the future
True, true,' said Hattie, thoughtfully
yet | would like to test the power of one Of
these Fortune TelIers. There are some
things l would very much like to know, if
only possible
Bat these Fortune Tellers cannot give
you any information, Hattie. And, besides,
you know they are looked upon as disrepu-
table, and it would never do for US to call
upon one OF them
IF they cannot give information, Why do
they advertise thus publicly p persisted
Hattie. They must certainly be possessed
of some gift which other people are not
Don't you remember what Lizzie Tompkius
told US last week about her aunt-how she
had her fortune told, and what wonderful
things were related to her by the curious old
woman she visited |?
Oh! / had forgotten that. That was
strange indeed
well, | am sure there must be some truth
in the predictions of these mysterious wo-
men and, Jennie, | hope you Will not be
offended, when | tell you l have fully made
up my mind to have my fortune told
why, HattieP
1t is q fact. | am dying to know the re.
suit of certain things, and my curiosity has
been SO excited by Lizzie's story, that / can.
not resist the temptation of following the ex-
ample Of her aunt
In this determination Hattie persisted anc
finally succeeded in persuading her friend t.
accompany her. Of course, the utmost Sc
crecy was essential and even deceit had to bt
practiced upon their relatives and friends.
Fatal step Could we but learn the secre
history Of the fallen daughters of Eve, how
many of them would date their downward
career from the day, when, to carry out thei
purposes, they found it necessary to deceigt
their parents-to reject their advice, or neg
lect their affectionate instruction. Deceit
base as it always must be, dims the brightes
gems of the soul, and robs the heart Of it
most precious jewels.
Madame Tounaire, the learned Astroloe
ist,' was seated at her magic table. He
department, devoted to j interviews with thOs
who sought her wonderful skill, was richl
furnished. The windows were darkened D
heavy blue curtains, which impaired an ash
hue to everything within the room, and wa
we'll calculated to strike the unsophisticate
visitor with awe.
Madame Tounaire had been busy all ola
long, for her fame had spread far and wild,
and hundreds hocked to consult her.
The door leading to the mysterious apar
ment opened, and Hattie Brown steps
softly in. She paused, and gazed almos
with terror around the room when at la
her eyes fell upon the enchantreSs. seated
the table, as motionless as a statue, the gi
who had never witnessed such u scene befor
; trembled from fright. Her strong deternl
nation to peer into the future forsook he
: and she turned, and would have fled. on
she found the door secured upon the outside
Be not frightened, Miss said the fortul
, teller, In a bold yet dignifed tone.
: You seek the future where you can fiji
1T. You are within q temple of Astrology-
II you wish the truth, you must bow wi
reverence and in confidence before its alta
S Come, be seated, and let me know 70
! wants.
This language served to still, to a degrt
: the beatings of the inexperienced girls hea
7 and with trembling steps she walked to t
table and seated herself opposite the encha
+ tress.
What do you seek p asked the fortu
teller.
Are we alone?' enquired the timid, al
now blushing patron.
We are no one is within the sound
our voices. Speak freely the wishes of yo
I'll heart
What will be my future p asked the tren
: ling girl.
In response to this, the Astrologist ash
q numerous questions as to age, &C., and ii
OIL proceeded to examine o globe near her ri,
hand.