Guert had forgotten, altogether, that the use of the word _lady_, completely betrayed the fact of his disguise; since no man, truly of his dress and air, would think of applying such a word to his sweetheart. [30] I could not prevent these little betrayals of himself, however; for, by this time, my companion was too much excited, to hear reason. “The lady that you love,” answered the fortune-teller, deliberately, and with the manner of one that proceeded with great confidence, “is _very_ handsome, in the first place.” “True as the sun in the heavens, Mother!” “Then, she is virtuous, and amiable, and wise, and witty, and good.” “The Gospel is not more certain! Corny, this surpasses belief!” “Then, she is _young_. Yes, she is young, and fair, and good; three things that make her much sought after.” “Why is she so long reflecting on my offers, Mother, tell me that, I beg of you; or, will she ever consent to have me?” “I see--I see--it is all here, on the cards. The lady cannot make up her mind.” “Listen to that, now, Corny; and do not tell me there is nothing in this art. _Why_ does she not make up her mind? For Heaven's sake, let me know _that_? A man may tire of offering to marry an angel, and getting no answer. I wish to know the reason of her doubts.” “A woman's mind is not easily read. Some are in haste, while some are not. I am of opinion you wish to get an answer before the lady is ready to give it. Men must learn to wait.” “She really seems to know all about it, Corny! Much as I have heard of this woman, she exceeds it all! Good Mother, can you tell me how I can gain the consent of the woman I love?” “That is only to be had by asking. Ask once, ask twice, ask thrice.” “By St. Nicholas! I have asked, already, twenty times! If asking would do it, she would have been my wife a month since. What do you think, Corny--no, I'll not do it--it is not manly to get the secrets of a woman's heart, by means like these--I'll not ask her!” “The crown is paid, and the truth must be said. The lady you love, loves you, and she does not love you; she will have you, and she won't have you; she thinks _yes_, and she says _no_.” Guert now trembled all over, like an aspen-leaf. “I do not believe there is any harm, Corny, in asking whether I gained or lost by the affair of the river? I _will_ ask her that much, of a certainty. Tell me, Mother, am I better or worse, for a certain thing that happened about a month ago--about the time that the ice went, and that we had a great freshet?”