"Are you able to tell fortunes?" asked Cosel, urged thereto by feverish curiosity.
"That depends," said Mlawa indifferently.
"Would you do it for me?"
The old woman looked on her pityingly.
"Why do you wish your fortune told?" asked she. "Whoever rose as high as you have done can only fall; better not ask!"
Cosel paled, but anxious to show that she was courageous, she smiled, though her lips trembled.
"I am not afraid of anything," she said, "I can look at happiness, as I can look at the sun; and I shall be able to look into the darkness also."
"But suppose the darkness lasts too long?"
"It cannot last for ever," rejoined Cosel.
"Who can tell?" whispered Mlawa. "Let me see your hand!" she added, stretching forth her own.