The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1899-01-27
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 palmist's tent.
care you going to have your hand
told?" she asked.
Eyes, shall at O'Clock, when my re-
spected aunt has quilted these premises.
sit is perfect craze OF society,"" said
Leila scornfully. every person know
has had theirs told, and if it is good they
believe it, and if not they don't. l sup
pose there may be something in it. Can't
be all guesswork. Do you believe in it?"
II do implicitly"
"No, really? Would you believe what
ever they told you concerning your fu-
ture?'
"Of course"
And if they told you to do something
would you obey?'
"How can you doubt it?'
His face was grave, and Leila did not
! observe tho satirical emphasis which &C
companied his words. She moved away
~ I had ample leisure to consider an ad-
,onturous plot which persistently haunted
her mind and would not be driven away.
Sir Felix's name had been coupled so
often with that of Leila Cavendish that
she had considered him as quite her per-
sonal property. But of late he had shown
a 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 she discard
ed 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 attired in q long GRIM
son domino, with long black mask, and
was apparently abotit to leave the tent by
a second opening to enjoy her well earned
rest and tea. On seeing Leila she turned
back and scanned with deep interest the
curious, imperious face.
II WISH" said the fair intruder, break
ing silence with difficulty-''I wish you
would let me wear your cloak and mask
for few minutes. only very short time.
You have already told my hand, and said
l should play for great stake. You were
right; l am playing it now. Only you
Cdu lCip lilO ny 1CIllIlIS IiC tblo uiSC
for u small experiment I wish to mako.
will give you plenty of money for this
charity if 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 glittered against the
white palm as it touched the astonished
palmist's fingers.
Il cannot, :" she began falteringly, whilo
her eyes rested GENEROUSLY on the shining
coins.
"You can, must and WILL" said Leila
imperatively. sit is only for a few min
utes 1 want these things. Do, do give
them me!''
By alternate determination and persua-
sion the self willed girl got her own way,
and tho reluctant palmist retired and
stood close against tho tent outside, de-
tcrnincd to hear what would be the result
of this strange within. Leila softly stole
to the curtain, pulled it aside and said
sweetly: You needn't wait Thank you,
1 am all right now"
''1-my-my dress was caught" muir
INJURED the other, quaking.
Your dress was caught? Oh, fancied
1t was you who were caught"
The palmist departed hurriedly, and
Leila watched her vanish before she re-
turned to don tho crimson robe and mask
hiding her hat carefully away from sight
Five O'Clock rang out in sonorous peals
from the bells of St. Simeon's stceple, and
Sir Felix was punctual to the minute. He
pulled aside tho curtains and came in
with an air of awkwardness and defiance,
feeling and looking like guilty person
caught in n foolish act.
Leila assumed a low, gentle voice, and,
seating herself on one of the palmist's
easy chairs drew another close beside her
for Sir Felix.
"You wish to know your past, present
and future?" she questioned.
Eyes, if you please"
Como and sit here, and I will do my
best to enlighten you"
He obeyed and held out two well mark
ell palms for her inspection. Leila gently
took hold of one hand to draw it nearer,
and Sir Felix started away as if there was
something disturbing or thrilling in her
touch.
You arc generous, obstinate and i'm
pulsivc," said the fair deceiver. you
act OIL first motives, and seldom alter your
opinion"
do I?'
You have long line of life, unbrokcn
by any illness or serious trouble. Your
life, apparently, will be q smooth and hap
py one"
CHATS goodp
you are lover of order and like to
see everything in it's correct place"
''Well, yes, I'm fairly tidy" said Sir
Felix, stroking his hair back and instinc-
lively settling his cravat.
You lost near relative when you
were-not very DID, said Leila, wonder
ing how long ago it was since Lady Ire
botham died.
You are quite correct.
"And you have had narrow escape
from death by drowning, l think" con-
tinued Leila, thinking of n huirbrc;t:,h
adventure on Lake Como which he Lad
told her of at Major Guinness dinner
party.
Fright again." said Sir Felix, looking
up at the black mask, which bent from
his gaze and leaned attcHtirely over his
outstretched hands.
you have had several love affairs
murmured Leila. "You are engrosssG in
very important one now"
ooh, am I?''
dyes
"This is rather embarrassing"
81 must reveal what | soc in your nand."