stroll, in the hope of encountering Rosetta Rosa. Yes, certainly in the hope of encountering Rosetta Rosa! But in none of the thronged chambers did I discover her.

When I came back, the waiting-room for prospective crystal-gazers was empty, and Emmeline herself was just leaving it.

“What!” I exclaimed. “All over?”

“Yes,” she said; “Sullivan has sent for me. You see, of course, one has to mingle with one’s guests. Only they’re really Sullivan’s guests.”

“And what about me?” I said. “Am I not going to have a look into the crystal?”

I had, as a matter of fact, not the slightest interest in her