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moment, however; probably observing nothing in that quarter, she again looked towards me, and almost immediately stepped forward; and, as she advanced, sang the song which I had heard in the wood, the first words of which were those which I have already alluded to. And the Rommany chal Shall jaw tasaulor To drab the bawlor, And dook the gry Of the farming rye. A very pretty song, thought I, falling again hard to work upon my kettle; a very pretty song, which bodes the farmers much good. Let them look to their cattle. All alone here, brother? said a voice close by me, in sharp but not disagreeable tones. I made no answer, but continued my work, click, click, with the gravity which became one of my profession. I allowed at least half a minute to elapse before I even lifted up my eyes. A girl of about thirteen was standing before me; her features were very pretty, but with a peculiar expression; her complexion was a clear olive, and her jet black hair hung back upon her shoulders. She was rather scantily dressed, and her arms and feet were bare; round her neck, however, was a handsome string of corals, with ornaments of gold; in her hand she held a bulrush. All alone here, brother? said the girl, as I looked up;all alone here, in the lane; where are your wife and children? Why do you call me brother? said I; am no brother of yours. Do you take me for one of your people? I am no gypsy; not I, indeed! Dont be afraid, brother, you are no Roman - Roman indeed, you are not handsome enough to be a Roman; not black enough, tinker though you be. If I called you brother, it was because I didnt know what else to call you. Marry, come up, brother, I should be sorry to have you for a brother. Then you dont like me? Neither like you nor dislike you, brother; what will you have for that kekaubi? Whats the use of talking to me in that unchristian way; what do you mean, young gentlewoman? Lord, brother, what a fool you are; every tinker knows what a kekaubi is. I was asking you what you would have for that kettle. Three-and-sixpence, young gentlewoman; isnt it well mended? Well mended! I could have done it better myself; three-and- sixpence! its only fit to be played at football with. I will take no less for it, young gentlewoman; it has caused me a world of trouble. I never saw a worse mended kettle. I say, brother, your hair is white. "Tis nature; your hair is black; nature, nothing but nature. I am young, brother; my hair is black - thats nature: you are young, brother; your hair is white - thats not nature. I cant help it if it be not, but it is nature after all; did you never see gray hair on the young? Never! I have heard it is true of a gray lad, and a bad one he was. Oh, so bad. |
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