She started down the steep hillside into the camp. The first Gypsy woman said something in the Romany dialect to the others, and the men drifted away, only the woman awaiting the coming of the girls of Central High.
As the seven friends approached they saw that the Varey woman was very handsome, in her bold, dark way. Silver ornaments were entwined in her coarse, blue-black hair; her dress, though garish in color, was neat and of rich material. The bangle, bracelets, necklace and all were either of silver or gold—no sham about them, as Laura Belding very well knew, her father being a jeweler and she knowing something about good jewelry.
“She’s queen of the tribe,” whispered Eve to Laura. “And her husband, Jim Varey, is leader of this clan. He is a horse trader, and sells oilcloth and tinware, while the women sell baskets, and the like, and pick up a quarter now and then telling fortunes.”
“Oh, Eve!” whispered Jess, behind, “did you ever have your fortune told?”
“Yes. It’s silly,” replied Eve, flushing.
“It would be lots of fun,” said Bobby, quite as eager as Jess.
“Let’s all do it,” urged Nellie. “If we give them a little money they probably will not molest us.”
“They wouldn’t dare trouble us, anyway,” said Eve. “And why should they?”
But the other girls, who were not so well acquainted with the Romany people, felt that the adventure in the Gypsy camp promised much excitement. In a minute they were all on the greensward in front of the tent of the Gypsy queen.
“Cross the poor Gypsy’s palm with silver,” whined Grace Varey, in a wheedling tone, “and each of you shall learn what the future has in store for you.”