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.