'Cross it with silver,' said the woman, simply but gravely, as if she were issuing a command. I had my purse in my pocket, and drew it out.
'Give her a shilling,' said mamma. I did so.
Then the gypsy bent over mamma's hand, studying it closely and murmuring to herself.
'The other too,' she then said, without looking up.
Mamma gave it.
'Yes,' said the gypsy, almost as if speaking to herself,—'yes—you have come through some dangers—water was the worst, but that was long ago. Now water has robbed you of your dearest, but only for a time. It will restore what it has carried away. And you will be happy. You have a brave heart. Strange things have happened of late to you. You have with you an unexpected visitor. And you are going to have another unexpected visit—a shorter one. Show kindness to your guest; it is always well to do so, though you may not care to receive a stranger. And——'
'No,' said mamma,—'no, my good woman. I really don't want to hear any more. It is getting late, and you say you have come far and this little fellow will be tired. You had better go,'—she drew away her hand as she spoke, though quite gently.
'Very well, my lady,' said the woman, without persisting further; 'and I thank you for your courtesy.'
'Shall I send some one to see you through the lodge gates?' said mamma; but the woman shook her head.