J. A crowded court-room. A case has just been tried. I am the centre of a crowd of people, who are pressing up to shake hands with me. The opposing lawyer sits at a little distance, casting glances of bitterness toward me.
Mme. D. That picture represents a scene fifteen years hence. You have gained a famous law-suit, which has placed you, though young, in the front ranks of your profession. Envious persons have maligned you, and opponents assailed you; but, without deigning to notice them, you have steadily gone on, till you have attained a high position in the profession which you adorn.
(Mme. D. again takes the mirror. Taking a box from the table, she shakes on the surface of the mirror a white powder. Wiping it carefully, she makes passes over it with her wand, and hands it to the young man. He gazes upon it for a moment in silence, and with pleased wonder. Mme. D. looks on benignantly.)
Mme. D. The picture pleases you, then. What does the mirror disclose?
J. I see a beautiful house. On the balcony a gentleman is standing. He is addressing a throng of people who are assembled before the house. They wave their hats, and are full of enthusiasm. What does it mean?
Mme. D. Do you not recognize the gentleman?
J. It looks like myself, but cannot be, for it is too old.
(Mme. D. takes the mirror, and gazes on it for a moment.)
Mme. D. It does look somewhat older, and more mature. But why should it not? It represents you as you will appear thirty years hence. You have steadily pressed onward, distancing all with whom you started at school. You have just been elected as member of Congress, and the people, wild with enthusiasm, are shouting your name, and calling for a speech. (Joe gazes, as if spellbound, on the mirror.) Are you satisfied with the glimpses of the future which I have given you?
J. (with dignity befitting his future position, and, returning the mirror to her). Yes, my good woman, you have done very well.