ASTRA REGUNT HOMINES, SED REGIT ASTRA DEUS." "Of what avail, then, is your mystery ?" inquired the Earl.
"Of much, my son," replied the old man, "since it can show the natural and probable course of events, although that course moves in subordination to an Higher Power.

Thus, in reviewing the horoscope which your Lordship subjected to my skill, you will observe that Saturn, being in the sixth House in opposition to Mars, retrograde in the House of Life, cannot but denote long and dangerous sickness, the issue whereof is in the will of Heaven, though death may probably be inferred.

Yet if I knew the name of the party I would erect another scheme." "His name is a secret," said the Earl; "yet, I must own, thy prognostication hath not been unfaithful.

He has been sick, and dangerously so, not, however, to death.

But hast thou again cast my horoscope as Varney directed thee, and art thou prepared to say what the stars tell of my present fortune ?" "My art stands at your command," said the old man; "and here, my son, is the map of thy fortunes, brilliant in aspect as ever beamed from those blessed signs whereby our life is influenced, yet not unchequered with fears, difficulties, and dangers." "My lot were more than mortal were it otherwise," said the Earl.
"Proceed, father, and believe you speak with one ready to undergo his destiny in action and in passion as may beseem a noble of England." "Thy courage to do and to suffer must be wound up yet a strain higher," said the old man.