I thought it curious to inquire where this science of the Future stands
to-day. It no longer has the splendour nor the hardihood of old. It no
longer forms part of the public and religious life of nations. The
Present and the Past reveal so many prodigies to us that these suffice
to amuse our thirst for marvels. Absorbed as we are in what is or was,
we have almost given up asking what might be or will be. However, the
old and venerable science, so deeply rooted in man's infallible
instinct, is not abandoned. It is no longer practised in broad daylight.
It has taken shelter in the darkest corners, in the most vulgar,
credulous, ignorant and despised environments. It employs innocent or
childish methods; nevertheless, it, too, has in a certain measure
evolved, like other things. It neglects the majority of the processes of
primitive divination; it has found others, often eccentric, sometimes
ludicrous, and has been able to profit by some few discoveries that were
by no means intended for it.
I have followed it into its dark retreats. I wished to see it, not in
books, but at work, in real life, and among the humble faithful who have
confidence in it and who daily apply to it for advice and encouragement.
I went to it in good faith: unbelieving, but ready to believe; without
prejudice and without a predetermined smile: for, if we must admit no
miracle blindly, it is worse blindly to laugh at it; and in every
obstinate error there lurks, usually, an excellent truth that awaits the
hour of birth.