The Crowned Skull

iend,' he cast a side glance on the baronet as he spoke, 'wants to see the fun.'

'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