In the white room were several black cats also. These added greatly to the weird effect, and, as they were good-natured old tabbies that Lena had borrowed from neighbors, they just stalked about and lay dozing in the white-draped chairs.
The three Fates ushered Betty with great pomp and ceremony to the chair facing the wizard, and begged her to be seated.
“What do you most want to know?” droned out the magician, as he gravely wagged his head at her.
“Who you are!” said Betty, so suddenly that he fairly jumped.
At this the three Fates doubled up in gleeful antics, but the wizard recovered himself, and continued in slow, deep tones:
“That you may know sometime, but not now. I will now foretell your fate.”
“Do,” said Betty, wondering where she had heard that full, deep voice before.
“You have strange adventures awaiting you. You will travel by land and sea, and great good fortune shall be ever yours. In the years to come, you will meet your destiny. The stars ordain that a fitting mate shall claim you, but it will be neither of the two Fates who are now dogging your footsteps.”
At this Harry and Ralph gave forth despairing groans and pretended to pommel one another. Betty giggled, but the wizard remained grave.
