Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1888-09-12
THE Gypsy.

II was a lovely scene, that gathering
Of the wandering tribe OF gipsies, Just
at the foot Cl the hill, where a few
giant trees gave them shade, and a
laughing little stream supplied them
with water.
The campfire burned redly in the
afternoon light, tapping the black pot
suspended above until its contents
dubbed, rs bubbled the strange con-
tents Or cIldr0us over which witch
faces bent in the darkened ages when
spells and supsrstitions ruled the
world.
Half a dozen horses were tethered
among the shadows, couple OF covered
wagons were drawn under the trees;
about the FIRE few swarthy children
were PLAYING. aud near them some dark,
Misunderstanding men were having a
game at CarTS.
But tie queen or the company the
reader Of the stars, the one who pro-
fessed to fur-tel!, stood, tall and dark
and naughty rs an Ethiopian princess,
facing very lovely girl, who WAS talk
ing eagerly. And this girl was no
giysy, but n fair, stately, aZure-eyed
beauty, with sunny hair and crimson
lips, and much of "A swans grace III her
movements. In short, the tribe had
camped on Mr.. Gerald HOwell's land,
and this was his niece who was In such
earnest conversation with Gipsy Madge.
You swear that il L do this thing
for you, my people VIII not be dis
tulbeI here?'' tie woman questioned
''Oue OF our children is i'll; We cannot
proceed fer time. If l do this for
you, we will remain here unmolestedI"
''I promise that; and L also promise
TO send wine and broth for the sick
child. But will you remember?"
81 never forget!' was the naughty
answer.
Then the piercing, dark eyes looked
closely at the girls dainty face, and
perhaps there was touch of scorn IN
them.
''It is not the way to win a lover,
lady" she said, calmly.
Miss Eleanor Howell flushed angrily,
and her blue eyes flashed.
pray fulfill your part OF the COM
pact, and spare me your comments" "
She said. MY cousin Will be here
within an hour.
And she turned away.
The woman looked after her with
scornful eyes.
''Despised as we are, no gypsy mai
den would stoop rs stOOps yonder fair
beautyT'' she muttercd. And L have
promised TO deceive some girl, who
comes TO me within an hour. Why
should not? They scorn us and hunt
US from place to place; why should l
not secure a week of peace here by the
telling OF lie7 Ny people are called
liars and vagabOnds. For little Rosa s
sake, | must do as she bade me; and
why notT''
The shadows slanted, clustered, then
mslteI before the moonbeams. and
Madge, leaving the wagon in which the
child was babbling IN delirium, pro-
duCed by fever, saw two figures cross
ing the open space before the ire.
She went forward to meet them, her
great eyes fastened on the face of the
girl, which was clearly revealed to her
by the combined light Of hre and
moon.
GOOD eyenlngl'' she said, slowly.
"Hou come to hear what swaits you In
the future2 Then let your companion
stand aside. What L have to tell you,
no other ears shall hear"
''It was pretty, piquant face which
flushed under Gipsy Madge's gloomy
eyes-a sweet, iu-"nlsive face, Will
childhood yet upor
HOW uld you know NY putPOso Al
comingP" she asked. But you are
right, want YOU to cell me my for
tune. VIII you mind waiting for ms
yonder, Kenneth p''-to her escort
The gentleman turned, laughlngly
10 the woman.
"Be sure you tell her of one faithful
lover" he said. lightly.
The dark eyes shot him piercing
glance.
''Or a taithIess one, she said, coldly
drawing the girl away.
Half an hour later, pretty Berta wen
back to where he awaited her, and IN
saw that she was very pale
He drew her hand through his arm
and they turned from the camp
Has she frightened you?" he whis
pered, tenderly. ''Do not look s.
white, my darling; 1t paines me exceed
tngly. Did she predict sorrow Tor you
dear2n
His look was such as men turn N
their dearest-tkose between whom
and sorrow their own hearts are sur
lN haaF. "a rfrI dfH IL