“‘What do you want here?’ she growled out, as she saw us approach.
“‘To tell your fortune, dear mother,’ answered Minetta, in the blandest voice.
“‘My fortune has been settled long ago, and a bad one it has been,’ answered the old woman.
“‘The moon changes, and fine weather comes at last,’ replied the gipsy, smiling. ‘Those who are wise never mourn the past, but look to the future. See what wonderful things this age has produced! Steamers, and railroads, and balloons—all you have heard of, I doubt not. Even now the world is ringing with the latest and grandest discovery, made by our people, too. Those only who come to us can benefit by it.’
“‘What is it, girl?’ asked the old woman, with more animation than could be expected.
“‘What is it? What you, perchance, would like to have, if you could afford to pay for it,’ answered Minetta archly.
“‘How do you know that I cannot afford to pay? Tell me what your discovery is, and I will tell you whether I will pay for it,’ croaked out the old woman.
“‘Oh, no, no; you will not trust to it,’ answered Minetta. ‘There are others who will value the great secret more than you; I must keep it for them. Farewell, mother;’ and taking my hand, she began to move away.
“‘Stop, stop, girl; let me know what it is,’ cried the old woman, her curiosity fully excited.
“Still Minetta went on.