D. (coolly). What difference does that make, when every one tells a different story? A fellow must have some excitement in a little country village like this. Of course I don’t believe a word said by any one of them. But Sherman would. He’s just one of that kind. If she told him anything he wished to believe, he would put implicit faith in it.
W. (shaking his head). I don’t know about that. Joe is pretty cunning. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he should discover the plot.
D. Trust me for that. I’ve got things arranged so it is impossible he could suspect anything.
T. When is it to come off?
D. This evening, at the rooms of Madame Devineresse. We are to be concealed in the ante-room, and hear all that is said. It will be rich, I assure you. Come to my room at seven o’clock, and we will be ready to follow him. He will be there by half-past seven.
H. How do you know he is going at all?
D. I don’t expect he is thinking of it at present; but I must plan some way to induce him to go, and to be there at that hour. So I must leave you now. Don’t fail to be on hand at the appointed time.
(Exit Dick, L. Curtain falls.)
Scene II.—The room of Madame Devineresse. She is seated in an arm-chair, R. C. On the table before her are placed an hour-glass and a pack of cards, a small mirror, and an open book. Charts covered with mystical characters are hung on the walls. A sickle, a stuffed eagle, and any other emblematic figures which can be obtained, are disposed around the room. A small picture (of any design) is hung up where it will be reflected into the mirror when held by Joe. Each time he lays down the mirror, the picture is changed without attracting his attention. Joe is ushered in by Faustina, L.
Joe. You are the fortune-teller, I presume, madame.