La Junta tribune., 1898-12-31
A SOCIETY CRAZE.

buttonhole bouquets at the bazaar got up
for st. Simeon's church. She encounter
ed Sir Felix Trebotham lettering at the
entrance Of the ralmist's tent.
Are you going to have your hand
toldf' she asked
YES. shall mt 3 O'Clock, when my re-
spected aunt has Quilted these premises. -
1T is n perfect crnze OF society," snid
Leila scornfully. Every person know
has had theirs told, and II II Is good they
believe it, and II not they don't. l sup
pose there may bc something in it. Cant
be all guesswork, Do you believe In its''
II do implicitly"
mo, reallyg Would you believe what
ever they told you concerning your fu-
tures"
'Of course.
And II they told you to do something
would you ohcyf''
How can you doubt itf''
His face was grave, and Leila did not
observe tho satirical emphasis which no,
companied his words. She moved away
and had ample leisure TO consider an ad.
venturous plot which persistently haunted
her mind md would not be driven awny.
Sir Felix's name had been coupled 20
often with that Of Leila Cavendish that
she had considered him as quite her per-
sonal property But of late he had shown
most stupid tendency TO admire that
silly, painted little Dot Elliott-Sturt, and
Leila really could not think of allowing
that At n few minutes to 8 she discard
cd her flower tray and moved slowly but
with determined step toward the palm
LIST s tent where Sir Felix had quilted his
stand to escort his aunt to her carriage
Another moment of hesitation, and then
Leila drew aside the silken curtain and
swept In.
The palmist was attircd in long Grim
son domino. with n long black mask, and
wns apparently about to leave the tent by
a second opening to enjoy her we'll earned
rest and tea. On seeing Leiln she turned
back and scanned with deep interest the
curious, impcrious face
II WISH" said the fair intruder, break
ing silence with difiiculty-''I wish you
would let me wear your cloak and mAsk
for n few minutes, only very short tiinc
You have already told my hand. and said
should play for n great stake You were
right; l am playing it now. Only you
can help me by lending me this disguise
for small experiment wish tn make. i
will give you plenty Of money for this
charity II you Will consent to my request.
Look This is half for the bazaar and half
for yourself" She held out her hand, and
several goldpieccs glitfered against the
white palm ms 1t touched the astonished
palmist's fingers.
II cannot, she began falteringly, while
her eyes rested oovetously on the shining
coins.
"You can, must and will, /" said Leila
Imperatively 1T Is only for a few min
utes want these things DO. do give
them mel
BY alternate determination and persun-
sion the self willed girl got her own way,
and the reluctant palmist retired and
stood close against the tent outside, de-
termined to hear what would bc the result
Of this strange whim. Leila softly stole
to the curtain, pulled II aside and said
sweetly: "You needn't wait. Thank you.
am all right now
''I-my-my dress was caught. mur-
INJURED tho other, quaking.
Your dress WAS caught? Oh. fancied
Il was you who were caughtf
The palmist departed hurriedly. and
Leila watched her vanish before she re-
turned to don the crimson robe and mask,
hiding her hat carefully away from sight.
Five O'Clock rang out In sonorous peais
from the bells Of st. Simeon's steeple, and
Sir Felix was punctual to the minute. He
pulled aside the curtains and came in
with an air of awkwardness and defiance,
feeling and looking like guilty person
caught in foolish act
Leila assumed low, gentle voice, and,
seating herself on one Of tho palmist's
easy chairs, drew another CLOSE beside her
for Sir Felix.
you wish to know your past, present
and futures" she questioned
"Yes, II you please.
Come and sit here. and ] will do my
best to enlighten you"
He obeyed, and held out two well mark
ed palms for her inspection. Leila gently
took hold of one hand TO draw It nearer.
and Sir Felix started away as II there was
something disturbing or thrilling in her
touch.
"You arc generous, obstinate and i'm
pulsivc," said the fair dcceiyer You
sct on first motives. and seldom alter your
opinion"
"Do ~
You have q long line Of life, unbroken
by any illness or serious trouble. Your
life, apparently. will be smooth and hap
py one"
"Thats goodp'
..You are a lover of order and like 20
ee everything In its correct place"
"weli, yes, I'm fairly tidy" said Sir
Felix, stroking his hair back and instinc-
lively settling his cravat.
You lost q near relative when you
were-not very old, said Leila, wonder
ing how long ago It was since Lady Tfo-
botham died.
"You are quite Correct"
And you have had . narrow escape
from death BY drowning, think" con-
tinued Leila, thinking Of . hAifbreodth
adveutuso on Lake Como which he had
told hes At - Major Guinnsss' dinner
party.
"Riehs again," sasd Sir Felix. looking
up q the black mask, which bent from
his gaze and lsansd attsotively over hss
outstretahed hands.
"You have Nd sevsral iovs snair..