So it is: those who cling to life are stricken with death: and those who, like me, are desperate, even death shuns." "Why, my dear Ormiston, you surely are not so far gone as that?
Upon my honor, I had no idea you were in such a bad way." "I am nothing but a miserable wretch! and I wish to Heaven I was in yonder dead-cart, with the rest of them--and she, too, if she never intends to love me!" Ormiston spoke with such fierce earnestness, that there was no doubting his sincerity; and Sir Norman became profoundly shocked--so much so, that he did not speak again until they were almost at the door.

Then he opened his lips to ask, in a subdued tone: "She has predicted the future for you--what did she foretell ?" "Nothing good; no fear of there being anything in store for such an unlucky dog as I am." "Where did she learn this wonderful black art of hers ?" "In the East, I believe.

She has been there and all over the world; and now visits England for the first time." "She has chosen a sprightly season for her visit.

Is she not afraid of the plague, I wonder ?" "No; she fears nothing," said Ormiston, as he knocked loudly at the door.

"I begin to believe she is made of adamant instead of what other women are made of." "Which is a rib, I believe," observed Sir Norman, thoughtfully.