The housekeeper was silent.
“Faix, Misther Walling, is it in the coorthoose ye are, with Misthress Basset intil the witness box, that ye would be cross-examining herself?” demanded Mike.
Will Walling turned a deprecating, apologetic glance upon Ran, who quietly replied:
“She was the daughter of a gypsy chief. Her name was Gentyl Tuinquer.”
“Ah!” exclaimed Mr. Will. Then, feeling rather uncomfortable, he added, to cover his confusion. “How beautiful she must have been!”
“And how much more beautiful she must be now!” exclaimed Judy.
The lawyer stared at her.
“Up there in heaven, I mean; for, of course, she is in heaven, for you may see by her face how good she is,” added Judy.
The housekeeper sighed. All the ladies of the long line of Hays had been “angel born” before this gypsy girl from the tents came into the family. And though the woman could not help loving the memory of the lovely young creature, she equally could not help suffering in her own pride at any mention of the gypsy birth.
Ran kissed the hand of the pictured lady and then turned with his party to leave the gallery.