‘Would she have had me?’
‘Of course, brother. You are so much of a Roman, and speak Romany so remarkably well.’
‘Poor thing! she looks very innocent!’
‘Remarkably so, brother! however, though not born on the same common with my wife, she knows a thing or two of Roman matters.’
‘I should like to ask her a question or two, Jasper, in connection with that song.’
‘You can do no better, brother. Here we are at the camp. After tea, take Ursula under a hedge, and ask her a question or two in connection with that song.’
CHAPTER X
SUNDAY EVENING—URSULA—ACTION AT LAW—MERIDIANA—MARRIED ALREADY
I took tea that evening with Mr. and Mrs. Petulengro and Ursula, outside of their tent. Tawno was not present, being engaged with his wife in his own tabernacle; Sylvester was there, however, lolling listlessly upon the ground. As I looked upon this man, I thought him one of the most disagreeable fellows I had ever seen.
His features were ugly, and, moreover, as dark as pepper; and, besides being dark, his skin was dirty. As for his dress, it was torn and sordid. His chest was broad, and his arms seemed powerful; but, upon the whole, he looked a very caitiff. ‘I am sorry that man has lost his wife,’ thought I; ‘for I am sure he will never get another.’ What surprises me is, that he ever found a woman disposed to unite her lot with his!