Mother Michel pays Three Crowns.
"A, R, M, N, L, S."
Madame Michel was named Anastasie Ravegot; the widow, since twelve years, of François Michel, in life inspector of butter in the Paris markets; she was born in Noisy-le-Sec.
"What is your favorite flower?"
"The Jerusalem artichoke."
After these customary questions, the fortune-teller examined some coffee-grounds poured into a saucer, and said:—
"Phaldarus, the genie of things unknown, informs me that you are in search of a being very dear to you."
Mother Michel bounded in her chair with surprise.
Madame Bradamor continued: "This being is not a man; it is a quadruped—either a dog or a cat. Ariel, spirit celestial, reveals to me that it is a cat."