Then, as if he wished to forget it all for a little space of time, that he might revel in the comfort and natural beauty of his surroundings, Danby Force shook himself, glanced away at the snow-capped mountains, then dropped into a chair to sit musing before the glowing fire.
The little French girl had wandered to the back of the cabin. Presently he heard her light footsteps approaching. Looking up suddenly, he caught a vision of pure loveliness. Jeanne had slipped over her shoulders the purple cape with its faultless white fox collar. Just at that instant she was standing by a window where the light turned her hair into pure gold.
“How—how perfect!” he breathed. “But why so pensive?” he asked as he caught a glimpse of her face.
“I was thinking,” said Jeanne slowly. “Wondering. Should you lose your precious secrets, then perhaps I might coax the secret of this royal purple from my gypsy friends. That would help you. Is it not so?”
“Yes, yes,” he agreed eagerly. “It would help a great deal!”
“But would it be right?” Jeanne’s brow wrinkled. “In France there are many poor gypsies, thousands perhaps, who weave cloth and dye it too. If the secret were lost to them, then perhaps they would go hungry.”
“That,” said Danby Force, “requires much thinking. We must do no wrong. And we must find that woman!” He sprang from his chair.
“Yes,” Jeanne agreed. “We must! But first we must eat.” She laughed a merry laugh. “See! Our good Madame Bihari has prepared a gypsy feast. I am sure you will enjoy it.”
Danby Force did enjoy that feast. A meat pie filled with all sorts of strange and delicious flavors, a drink that was not quite hot chocolate nor quite anything else, thin cakes baked on the coals, and after that fruit and bonbons. What wonder they lingered over the repast—lingered indeed too long, for, when at last they stepped from the doorway all the mellow sunshine had vanished and in its place dark clouds, like massive trains with huge silently rolling wheels were moving up the mountainside.
“Good!” Jeanne clapped her hands. “Now we shall remain in this most wonderful place all night. And Madame Bihari, she shall tell your fortune.”