He only admitted those who wished to consult him, singly; for on no occasion did he ever permit two persons at a time to approach him.

All the paraphernalia of astrology were exposed upon the same table, at one end of which he sat in an arm-chair, awaiting the commencement of operations.

At length a good-looking country-woman, of about forty-five years, made her appearance, and, after a low courtesy, was solemnly motioned to take a seat.
"Well, Mrs.Houlaghan," said he, "how do you do ?" The poor woman got as pale as death.

"Heavenly Father," thought she, "how does it happen that he comes to know my name!" "Mrs.Houlaghan, what can I do for you?
not that I need ask, for I could give a very good guess at it;" and this he added with a very sage and solemn visage, precisely as if he knew the whole circumstances.
"Why, your honor," she replied--"but, blessed Father, how did you come to know my name ?" "That's a question," he replied, solemnly, "which you ought not to ask me.

It is enough that you see I know it.