"I am so troubled about the calculation that I am not sure whether it will pay at all to make it. Yesterday morning I had given up all thought of my alchemy. I resolved to direct my studies towards the elixir of life. Yesterday I made up my mind the elixir was beyond me, and I resolved to go on making the gold. To day I am in doubt again. Like all alchemists, I am superstitious. I shall look for an omen to guide me."
"Miss Ashton is at the window. She recognises you. She is saluting you."
The dwarf drew a pace back from the house and swept the ground with his hat.
"Take that for a good omen," said Hanbury, as he went up to the door.
"Did I not tell you I would show you something more wonderful than mystery gold?"
"Yes."
"Did I keep my word?"
"The likeness is most astonishing. Come in."
"If the likeness is not complete it may go hard with the miracle gold."