Chapter XV. Phil and the Fortune-Teller - Page 2

Will you answer a question?"

"Ask!"

"You say my father--my real father--is living?"

The veiled lady bowed her head.

"Where is he?"

"That I cannot say, but he is looking for you."

"He is in search of me?"

"Yes."

"Why has he delayed it so long?"

"There are circumstances which I cannot explain which have prevented his seeking and claiming you."

"Will he do so?"

"I have told you that he is now seeking for you. I think he will find you at last."

"What can I do to bring this about?"

"Do nothing! Stay where you are. Circumstances are working favorably, but you must wait. There are some drawbacks."

"What are they?"

"You have two enemies, or rather one, for the other does not count."

"Is that enemy a man?"

"No, it is a woman."

"My step-mother!" ejaculated Phil, with immediate conviction.

"You have guessed aright."

"And who is the other?"

"A boy."

"Jonas?"

"It is the son of the woman whom you call your step-mother."

"What harm can they do me? I am not afraid of them," said Phil, raising his head proudly.

"Do not be too confident! The meanest are capable of harm. Mrs. Brent does not like you because she is a mother."

"She fears that I will interfere with her son."

"You are all right."

"Is there anything more you can tell me?" asked Phil. "Have I any other enemies?"

"Yes; there are two more--also a woman and her son."

"That puzzles me. I can think of no one."

"They live in the city."

"I know. It is Mrs. Pitkin, my employer's wife. Why should she dislike me?"

"There is an old man who likes you. That is the cause."

"I see. She doesn't want him to be kind to any one out of the family."

"That is all I have to tell you," said the fortune- teller abruptly. "You can go."

"You have told me strange things," said Phil. "Will you tell me how it is you know so much about a stranger?"

"I have nothing more to tell you. You can go!" said the veiled lady impatiently.

"At least tell me how much I am to pay you."

"Nothing."

"But I thought you received fees."

"Not from you."

"Did you not take something from my friend who was in here before me?"

"Yes."