'Here's a nice soft place; there is no gorse here. Now tell me the legend.'
'You do astonish me,' said Kitty, seating herself on the spot that had been chosen for her. 'You never heard of the legend of St. Cuthman!'
'Won't you cross the poor gipsy's palm with a bit of silver, my pretty gentleman, and she'll tell you your fortune and that of your pretty lady.'
Kitty uttered a startled cry and turning they found themselves facing a strong black-eyed girl.
'What do you think, Kitty, would you like to have your fortune told?'
Kitty laughed. 'It would be rather fun,' she said.
And she listened to the usual story of a handsome young gentleman who would woo her, win her, and give her happiness and wealth.
John threw the girl a shilling. She withdrew. They watched her passing through the furze.
'What nonsense they talk; you don't believe that there's anything in what they say,' said Kitty, raising her eyes.
John's eyes were fixed upon her. He tried to answer her question, which he had only half heard. But he could not form an intelligible sentence. There was a giddiness in his brain which he had never felt before; he trembled, and the victim of an impulse which forced him toward her, he threw his arms about her and kissed her violently.