SCENE IV.—_Same as Scene II. The room is darkened. In the

background is placed a large screen, from behind which—whenever they can escape observation—several boys peer out. Enter DICK, R., with an open letter. He advances to R. C._

D. I don’t see who could have sent me this notice. The handwriting is evidently that of a lady. Possibly it is that of Mme. Marie herself. But the puzzle is, how she happened to send it to me. I suppose, though, some one informed her that I liked to have my fortune told occasionally. (_Reads._) “Madame Marie, the veiled prophetess of the East, respectfully gives notice that she has taken up her residence at Number 27 Osborne Street, where she will remain for seven days only, during which time she is willing to unfold the future of those who may wish to become acquainted with its secrets. Madame Marie will disclose the mysteries of the past, as well as the hidden events of the future. As her stay is of limited duration, those wishing to consult her will do well to call at once.” (_Places note in his pocket and paces back and forth with his hands clasped behind him._) I received this note only an hour ago, and hastened to call upon her. But although I have been here full fifteen minutes, I have as yet seen no one. Where _is_ Madame Marie? (_Enter MME. MARIE, L., shrouded with a black veil._)

MME. MARIE (_in measured tones._) She is here. What would you have? Shall I tell you the past, or only the future?

D. I would hear something of the past as well as of the future, if you please, madam.

MME. M. That is well. I will consult the oracles, and give you their testimony. (_A pause. DICK looks expectant._) Ah, yes, the events of our past life come crowding up before me. I see that you are credulous, impulsive, and somewhat superstitious.

D. Credulous and superstitious! Oh, no.

MME. M. (_waving her hand_). Silence. It is not meet that you interrupt the disclosures of the oracles. Superstition signifies a fondness for the unknown and mysterious; therefore you are superstitious. You are also credulous; for did you not believe the revelations of Madame Devineresse, who came here a short time ago, and who is an arrant impostor? You were the means of bringing to her a young man who wished to look into the magic mirror.

D. (_smiling at the recollection_). Yes, and he went away with higher aspirations, and a feeling of inward pleasure which cannot be described. I think praise rather than blame is due me for this deed.

MME. M. I need not tell you of the deception which you practised on him. Even now circumstances are at work which will bring to you direful consequences on account of that deed.

D. (_somewhat troubled_). What do you mean? Has he discovered the trick?

MME. M. (_without heeding him_). I see the young man standing before a tall, stern-looking person. The young man is talking earnestly, but I cannot hear his words. The tall man listens attentively, and soon the young man goes out. The tall man seems angry. Hark! he speaks: “So this is the way the boys spend the hours they should be employed in study. No wonder recitations are poor. But it is fortunate that I have discovered the cause in such good time. I will make an example of this case, and will inflict on the chief offender such a severe punishment that it will strike terror into the hearts of the remainder of the school. What shall it be? Ha! I have it. John, bring me a strong rope, and a couple of good willow switches. Then call together the scholars.”

D. (_in a fever of excitement_). Is there no way of avoiding this punishment?

MME. M. (_unheeding him_). I see the scholars crowding into the room, but there is one of them who cannot be found. No one knows where he is gone. Now a note is handed to the tall man. He nods approvingly, and tells all the scholars to follow him. Ha, they come this way! They are at the door! They enter! (_She starts back, and the boys from behind the screen come noisily forward. They surround MADAME M. DICK is in a state of great excitement._)

NAT. Hooray for the great fortune-teller, Madame Marie! (_Pulls off her veil and cloak, disclosing the features and figure of JOE SHERMAN._)

J. (_comes forward smiling_). Is your fortune satisfactory, Dick?

D. (_confused_). I don’t know. Let me see. (_Recovering himself._) Yes, very much so. It’s turned out far different from what I expected, a moment ago. I anticipated a more tragic and _striking_ close. (_Comes forward, and takes JOE’S hand._) We’re quits now, Joe. I give you credit for turning the tables on me completely. But henceforth I shall keep clear of fortune-tellers. They are great humbugs, as I have had ample opportunity to know. Besides, it would be far more sensible for us boys to plan our future ourselves, and then try to live up to it, than to listen to the idle talk of those who care for nothing but the money of their victims. Now, Joe, I challenge you to enter the list with me, to gain the prize offered for the greatest number of perfect recitations during this term. What do you say?

J. I’ll do it, Dick. I’ll _try_ for the prize, anyway.

D. That’s it, old fellow. And whichever is successful, the progress we have made will stimulate us to strive for still higher honors. And who knows but we may yet gain as great distinction as was pictured to you by Madame Devineresse, in the Magic Mirror?

(_Curtain falls._)