nia of fortune telling," cried Cabinska merrily, peering over the
shoulder of the counselor into the palm he was examining.

"Ho! ho! a strange one, a strange one!" whispered the old man.

He took from his pocket a small magnifying-glass and through it
examined minutely the lines of the palm, the fingernails, the finger
joints, and the entire hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen! We tell fortunes here from the hands, the
feet, and something else besides! . . . Here we predict the future,
and dispense talent, virtue, and money in the future. Admission only
five copecks, only five copecks! . . . for the poorer people only
ten groszy! Please step in, ladies and gentlemen, please step in!"
cried Wawrzecki, excellently imitating the voice of the show criers
on Ujazdowski Square.

The actors and actresses surrounded the trio on all sides.

"Tell us something, Mr. Counselor!"

"Will she marry soon?"

"When will she eclipse Modrzejewska?"

"Will she get a rich hubby?"

"How many suitors has she had in the past?"

The counselor did not answer, but quietly continued to examine both
of Janina's palms.

She heard those derisive remarks, but was unable to move, for that
strange man actually held her pinned to her seat. She felt herself
burning with anger, yet could not move her hands which he held.

Finally, the counselor released her and said to those surrounding
them: "For once you might refrain from your clownishness, for
sometimes it is not so foolish as it is inhuman. I beg your pardon,
mademoiselle, for having exposed you to their rudeness, . . . I
greatly beg your pardon, but I simply could not resist examining
your hands; that is my weakness. . . ."

He kissed her hand ostentatiously and turned to the surprised
Cabinska: "Come, let us go, Mrs. Directress!"

Janina was consumed with such curiosity, that, in spite of all those
spectators, she asked quietly: "Will you not tell me anything Mr.
Counselor?"

The counselor gazed about him, and then bent toward Janina and
whispered very quietly: "Now, I cannot . . . In two weeks, when I
return, I will tell you all."

"Oh come, Counselor!" cried Cabinska, "Oh, I almost forgot! . . .
Will it be possible for you to come to see me after the rehearsal
Miss Orlowska?" she asked, turning to Janina.

"Certainly, I'll come," answered Janina, resuming her seat.

"Where shall we go, Madame Directress?" asked the counselor. He
seemed less jovial, and wrapt in thought.

"I supp