She was silent a few moments, then with apparent irrelevancy said, “Do you believe in premonitions?”

An emphatic “No” was the answer.

“Why should they not be true?  Our thoughts arise from the same source as our actions; or, rather, there must be a creative thought for every separate act.  Now, whether the act follows its producing impulse by moments, days or years, the fact remains the same.”

“So that a man can tell before he goes into battle whether he will be brave or cowardly?”

“Certainly:  we are conscious of our disposition, of our general manner of thinking, and consequently can judge of our course of action.”

“That would make life plane sailing.

“No, for though you know your own qualities, you can seldom force events to fit them.  As long as he can avoid danger the coward may be brave, but if danger is thrust upon him, off he runs.”

“Of course you have presentiments?” said he ironically.

“Yes.”

“And they always come true?”

“Sooner or later.  The time is indefinite, but the result is certain.

“Can you predict for others?”

“Not unless I love them:  I can for my father.  Either you must know a person well, or have naturally a great deal of penetration, insight, quick observation.  Give it what name you please, it is the gift of seers, by which they interpret the marks that character leaves upon face and form.”

“When you fall in love—­”

“I shall not do that,” she interrupted:  “I have been warned.”

“How?  Tell me about it.”

“I do not see as clearly as some:  I only vaguely feel that a certain occurrence will bring a certain catastrophe.  If I love, I shall die.”

“Nonsense!  And is that the reason you avoided gentlemen’s society?”

“Yes.  I was afraid, really afraid;” and she made the expression stronger by a slight shudder.

“And you are so no longer?” he questioned hopefully.

“After I knew you I saw there was no danger in simply being acquainted with gentlemen.”

Dr. Grey winced, and was silent for a time; then resumed energetically:  “I am glad you have told me this.  What will you think when I say that what you call presentiments are common to every delicately organized person?  They are purely physical; an indigestion, a change in the weather or fatigue will cause them; a dose of medicine or a night’s repose will cure them.  The brain becomes indisposed with the rest of the body, but to allow such morbid fancies to influence you is preposterous.”

“They are prophetic:  I have often proved it.”

“Mere coincidences.  My advice is to begin to fight them at once.  In regard to my cousin—­”

“She has already brought me trouble.  I knew it would be so when she crossed my path the other day.  Look at my accident.”

“That might have happened to any one.  Why did you run away from me?”