Chapter VII: Part 7

MME. M. (_without heeding him_). I see the young man standing before a tall, stern-looking person. The young man is talking earnestly, but I cannot hear his words. The tall man listens attentively, and soon the young man goes out. The tall man seems angry. Hark! he speaks: “So this is the way the boys spend the hours they should be employed in study. No wonder recitations are poor. But it is fortunate that I have discovered the cause in such good time. I will make an example of this case, and will inflict on the chief offender such a severe punishment that it will strike terror into the hearts of the remainder of the school. What shall it be? Ha! I have it. John, bring me a strong rope, and a couple of good willow switches. Then call together the scholars.”

D. (_in a fever of excitement_). Is there no way of avoiding this punishment?

MME. M. (_unheeding him_). I see the scholars crowding into the room, but there is one of them who cannot be found. No one knows where he is gone. Now a note is handed to the tall man. He nods approvingly, and tells all the scholars to follow him. Ha, they come this way! They are at the door! They enter! (_She starts back, and the boys from behind the screen come noisily forward. They surround MADAME M. DICK is in a state of great excitement._)

NAT. Hooray for the great fortune-teller, Madame Marie! (_Pulls off her veil and cloak, disclosing the features and figure of JOE SHERMAN._)

J. (_comes forward smiling_). Is your fortune satisfactory, Dick?

D. (_confused_). I don’t know. Let me see. (_Recovering himself._) Yes, very much so. It’s turned out far different from what I expected, a moment ago. I anticipated a more tragic and _striking_ close. (_Comes forward, and takes JOE’S hand._) We’re quits now, Joe. I give you credit for turning the tables on me completely. But henceforth I shall keep clear of fortune-tellers. They are great humbugs, as I have had ample opportunity to know. Besides, it would be far more sensible for us boys to plan our future ourselves, and then try to live up to it, than to listen to the idle talk of those who care for nothing but the money of their victims. Now, Joe, I challenge you to enter the list with me, to gain the prize offered for the greatest number of perfect recitations during this term. What do you say?

J. I’ll do it, Dick. I’ll _try_ for the prize, anyway.

D. That’s it, old fellow. And whichever is successful, the progress we have made will stimulate us to strive for still higher honors. And who knows but we may yet gain as great distinction as was pictured to you by Madame Devineresse, in the Magic Mirror?

(_Curtain falls._)