CHAPTER XVIII 240
" What does she want ?" asked Mrs . Eshton .
"' To tell the gentry their fortunes ,' she says , ma ' am ; and she swears she must and will do it ."
" What is she like ?" inquired the Misses Eshton , in a breath . " A shockingly ugly old creature , miss ; almost as black as a crock ."
" Why , she ' s a real sorceress !" cried Frederick Lynn . " Let us have her in , of course ."
" To be sure ," rejoined his brother ; " it would be a thousand pities to throw away such a chance of fun ."
" My dear boys , what are you thinking about ?" exclaimed Mrs . Lynn .
" I cannot possibly countenance any such inconsistent proceeding ," chimed in the Dowager Ingram .
" Indeed , mama , but you can -- and will ," pronounced the haughty voice of Blanche , as she turned round on the piano-stool ; where till now she had sat silent , apparently examining sundry sheets of music . " I have a curiosity to hear my fortune told : therefore , Sam , order the beldame forward ."
" My darling Blanche ! recollect -- "
" I do -- I recollect all you can suggest ; and I must have my will -- quick , Sam !"
" Yes -- yes -- yes !" cried all the juveniles , both ladies and gentlemen . " Let her come -- it will be excellent sport !"
The footman still lingered . " She looks such a rough one ," said he . " Go !" ejaculated Miss Ingram , and the man went .