"Are you going to dress too?" demanded Mike, with mingled satisfaction and astonishment.
"Only just to disguise myself a bit," answered Morcar, taking a huge red wig from one pocket and a hideous mask from another; "because there's often a prejudice amongst people—especially young ones—against gipsies."
"So there is," observed Mike. "Besides, it's much better to go in character, as they say."
The jugglers were now in high spirits; and they speedily addressed themselves to the process of changing their common apparel for the professional costume.
CHAPTER CCXXXVIII.
THE PERFORMANCE.
The evening was serene and beautiful.
A few thin vapours floated lazily through the blue arch, the hue of which was deliciously mellowed by the golden light of the sun.
It was about seven o'clock; and the principal inmates of Ravensworth Hall were collected in the drawing-room.
Adeline, pale, emaciated, and care-worn, was reclining upon the sofa; and near her sate Eliza Sydney.
The nurse was walking up and down the apartment, with the infant heir in her arms.