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He’d heard of this woman. The Dame de Doubtance, they…

“He’d heard of this woman. The Dame de Doubtance, they called her: a madwoman and a caster of horoscopes. Gaultier gave her house-room and men and women came to her from all the known world and had their futures foretold—if she felt like it. She had given some help once to Lymond, on her own severe…” quote by Dorothy Dunnett
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““He’d heard of this woman. The Dame de Doubtance, they called her: a madwoman and a caster of horoscopes. Gaultier gave her house-room and men and women came to her from all the known world and had their futures foretold—if she felt like it. She had given some help once to Lymond, on her own severe terms, because of a distant link, it was said, with his family. Plainly, a crazy old harridan. But if she was going to tell Lymond he ought to find a nice girl and marry her, Jerott wanted very much to be there.””

Dorothy Dunnett

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A mysterious fortune‑teller, known as the Dame de Doubtance, helps Lymond reluctantly, hinting at hidden family ties.

In simple terms: A strange seer aids a hero because of a distant family link.

Key Takeaway

Even unlikely allies can be crucial.

Themes

mystery fate family help reluctant assistance

Mood

enigmatic foreboding intriguing

Type

literary character

When to use this quote

  • seeking guidance
  • making decisions
  • navigating destiny
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

prophecy hidden lineage trust heroic quest

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates the seer’s aid?
  • How does destiny influence choices?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on uncertain prophecy can be risky.

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