"Then why don't you laugh?" said Uncle Harry, and they did laugh, every member of the party, and laughed because they could not help it.
And when the merry feast was over, they hastened to the small tent where the old gypsy was telling fortunes.
Each had intended to have her fortune told, and thus learn what the future held for her.
To their great surprise, she flatly refused to tell any child's fortune, saying that she would only foretell events for "grown ups." The little girls were rather afraid of her, but Uncle Harry boldly offered his hand, saying:
"Am I big enough to hear my fortune?"
"No nonsense, young lad," she said, while the children dared not laugh. She bent over his palm for a moment, then she solemnly said:
"You're a brave lad, and you need to be for you will fall in love with a girl who'll have red hair, and the temper that usually goes with it."
"O dear!" sighed Uncle Harry.
"Don't worry, young man," said the old gypsy, "because it will be some months before you marry."
"Indeed," said Uncle Harry, "and what shall I do if the girl proves to have the temper you prophesy? Shall I try to calm her by holding her under a pump, or would you advise tying her until she feels less fiery?"