Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1909-02-18
The GypSy'S Gem
Sssssssssss.sssssssssssses
---------s 49,

The first notes of the Toreador song
called a group of idlers and sightseers
near and cordial handclapping followed
the final note of the gypsies' music, for
there were singers in the band who
knew how to use their voices. The
space near the cottage afforded bril-
liant scene these gala days; there were
always round about those curious ones
who must have their fortunes told
men as we'll as women, skeptics and
believers alike trying for a peep into
the future through the eyes of the palm
reader. the horoscope interpreter and
the oracle.
Elsewhere in the village were merry
1oings-eating and drinking, all the
rough diversions of the early days, the
ways that men and women have ever
sought for Willing away the time. Be
aeath a canopy were Mistress Madgc
and nrim companions in sewing indus
try. while near the stile Miss Betsy lin
ypred for a word with Stalwart Hugh.
Crossing the village green in pairs and
ans. and all the small boys of the town,
seorning more serious pursuits, played
merrily at leap frog, Quoits and other
robust games.
Within the public houses were heavy
discourse OF the stock, and clinking of
The glasses, and boisterous applause
when one would make attempt at With
cism. Behind his counter smiled the
rotund keeper; among the tables and
The benches supple John moved con-
stantly with potabes and lights. From
all the meadow land and tenant houses
round the men were come TO share the
yillage cheer. These moved not at the
aotes of any song from near the Hath
away garden, but buried their coarse
faces once again In cup or mug, and
gurgled contemplatively.
These were momentous days. The
court was come. In brave array were
courticrs and warriors and sailors bold,
all picnicking. The servants ran about
In liveries Respondent, important per-
sonages stalked hither and away in
heavy grandeur. Court ladies and their
maids looked on the village and the
country folk disdalnfully in part, but
some took interest and made acQuaint-
ance here and there.
The latter, friendly ones, fiocked up
to hear the gypsies sing. and when the
song was ended clapped and sought to
know from members of the band what
good or Ill future held for them. One
visitor youth, short and sturdy lad,
with bearing and with bronze of open
air and sea, looked in the faces Of the
gypsies and strayed about from place
TO place to hear what patrons of the
soothsayers might have learnt.
gypsy lass made bold to ask him
Sir, have your future told for gold; a
bright career may wait thee; III tel
thee whom for friends to hold, and who
they are that hate thee"
Nay. lass, but are all the members
of thy company in sight?" he asked.
"All but one maid who readett
palms" she answered him.
Then will l wait" he said, "an6
see if she can tell me what 1 wish tt
know. 1t is the one who is the mos
demanded that must know the most
and l will wait to have her peer int
the dark for me-"
But there were those who were no
so determined, and would buy forecast
unfortunately. so she left him ant
told others pleasant tibs to make then
smile and mostly spared them what o
painful truth she read that fate wa
holding back for them.
Then came that one to view who hal