In the midst of the tumult, and while my eyes and ears were fully engaged in the scene before me, I heard a hem close at my elbow: I turned, and saw Sam.

‘If you please, miss, the gipsy declares that there is another young single lady in the room who has not been to her yet, and she swears she will not go till she has seen all. I thought it must be you: there is no one else for it. What shall I tell her?’

‘Oh, I will go by all means,’ I answered: and I was glad of the unexpected opportunity to gratify my much-excited curiosity. I slipped out of the room, unobserved by any eye—for the company were gathered in one mass about the trembling trio just returned—and I closed the door quietly behind me.

‘If you like, miss,’ said Sam, ‘I’ll wait in the hall for you; and if she frightens you, just call and I’ll come in.’

‘No, Sam, return to the kitchen: I am not in the least afraid.’ Nor was I; but I was a good deal interested and excited.