Their jewellery, their--" "Tell me any one of those things concerning myself," interrupted Max, suddenly alive with interest.
"No, it is too great a strain upon me," answered the girl, with amusing gravity.
"I entreat you," said Max, laughing, though deeply interested.

"I believe you can do what you say.

I beg you to show me your skill in only one instance." The girl gently refused, begging Max not to tempt her.
"No, no, I cannot," she said, "good Father Brantome has told me it is sinful.

I must not." Half in jest but all in earnest, Max begged her to try; and, after a great deal of coaxing, she reluctantly consented to give a very small exhibition of her powers.

Covering her face with her hands, she remained for the space of a minute as if in deep thought.