I could perceive that he looked towards me with an air of distrust and uneasiness, and he requested Amy to retire with him into an adjoining room, where he said the apparatus to be made use of stood more conveniently. This she refused to do unless I went in also, and the matter was soon settled by his bringing out his books and a curious looking instrument similar to a telescope. This latter he presented to Amy, and desired her to look attentively through it, and tell him what she observed.
"I see, said she, "a shadowy substance something like a church." "Look more steadfastly," said he, "and tell me if nothing else appears." "There is something like a funeral, with a coffin and mourners." "Can you distinguish any figure which is there?" "I cannot say that I do distinctly." "The chief mourner," said he, "is yourself." "It will often be your lot to mourn over blighted prospects;" and, after turning the instrument round, he bade her take another look, and see if any thing brighter would present itself. There appears," said she," the same old church, but there is a gayer party now engaged, either at a wedding or christening."
"Yes," said old Jonathan, "you will fulfil your day, and have much joy as well as sorrow." "But," asked Amy, rather impatiently, "can you answer me the question I first asked, as to the sincerity of the person who now professes entire regard for me." "The heart of man is fickle," answered he, "your present hopes will be blighted, but do not be downcast, brighter will arise and be fulfilled. He that you would now marry is faithless."
