The Crowned Skull

'Dericka will conduct you round the grounds,' said Trevick hurriedly. 'Where is Miss Stretton, my dear?'

'In the Tent of Mystery,' replied the girl carelessly; 'at least, I advised her to go there and have her fortune told.'

Sir Hannibal looked hard at his daughter, trying to discover if her words were double-edged. But she met his gaze serenely, and presently the baronet hurried away. Bowring turned to address the girl with something like a chuckle when behind him appeared a mild face and a lean, gaunt figure, in sad-coloured feminine garments.

'Why, Sophy, are you not in the tent?' said Dericka, recognising her governess with surprise.

'I just came in for a few minutes,' said Miss Warry timidly. 'It is trying work telling fortunes. I read Miss Stretton's hand.'

'What did you read?' asked Dericka, curiously.

'Sorrow and trouble and wickedness,' said the sibyl solemnly, and again t