ernoon."

"That is somewhat of an old song, brother, and is sung by the chies as a
warning at our solemn festivals."

"Well! but there's your sister-in-law, Ursula, herself, Jasper."

"Ursula, herself, brother?"

"You were talking of my having her, Jasper."

"Well, brother, why didn't you have her?"

"Would she have had me?"

"Of course, brother. You are so much of a Roman, and speak Romany so
remarkably well."

"Poor thing! she looks very innocent!"

"Remarkably so, brother! however, though not born on the same common with
my wife, she knows a thing or two of Roman matters."

"I should like to ask her a question or two, Jasper, in connection with
that song."

"You can do no better, brother. Here we are at the camp. After tea,
take Ursula under a hedge, and ask her a question or two in connection
with that song."

CHAPTER X

Sunday Evening--Ursula--Action at Law--Meridiana--Married Already.

I took tea that evening with Mr. and Mrs. Petulengro and Ursula, outside
of their tent. Tawno was not present, being engaged with his wife in his
own tabernacle; Sylvester was there, however, lolling listlessly upon the
ground. As I looked upon this man, I thought him one of the most
disagreeable fellows I had ever seen. His features were ugly, and,
moreover, as dark as pepper; and, besides being dark, his skin was dirty.
As for his dress, it was torn and sordid. His chest was broad, and his
arms seemed powerful; but, upon the whole, he looked a very caitiff. "I
am sorry that man has lost his wife," thought I; "for I am sure he will
never get another." What surprises me is, that he ever found a woman
disposed to unite her lot with his!

After tea I got up and strolled about the field. My thoughts were upon
Isopel Berners. I wondered where she was, and how long she would stay
away. At length becoming tired and listless, I determined to return to
the dingle, and resume the reading of the Bible at the place where I had
left off. "What better could I do," methought, "on a Sunday evening?" I
was then near the wood which surrounded the dingle, but at that side
which was farthest from the encampment, which stood near the entrance.
Suddenly, on turning round the southern corner of the copse, which
surrounded the dingle, I perceived Ursula seated under a thornbush. I
thought I never saw her look prettier than then, dressed as she was, in
her Sunday's best.

"Good evening, Ursula," said I; "I little