And the more she talked, and the more I looked at her, the more she seemed in a sort of pucker and flurry that--I'm not suspicious: still, it did appear mysterious.
"I shall not go to France. We shall return straight home, and you may, or may not--just as you please, JOSEPHINE, so make it entirely agreeable to yourself--go back with us, or stay here alone." And with this, I left the room to join FRED; and he--I discovered to my great annoyance--had gone out. Gone out! It was very odd.
I couldn't rest indoors. So, without a word to JOSEPHINE, I put on my things--snatched them on I should rather say--and followed FRED. Up and down the beach--but no signs of him. Where _could_ he be?
As the time went on, and I continued to look for and expect him, I could scarcely contain myself. I sat down upon the beach; and the sun, setting, looked so magnificent. I tried to calm and comfort myself, making out a home in the clouds. Such a home! With such gardens and golden plains and palaces of ruby pillars--but no; it wouldn't do. And I felt all the angrier that I had so tried to cheat myself.
At the moment, who should glide past me--not seeing me, as I thought--but the very gypsey child who had brought that foolish bouquet, and that stupid note!
I resolved, taking a minute's counsel with myself, to discover the individual who had employed the gypsey; so followed the child, who suddenly seemed to guess my determination. "Want a nosegay, Ma'am?" said the girl. "Buy a nosegay to get me a bit of bread."
"Now, if I buy this nosegay"--and the little creature looked at me with her glittering eyes, as much as to say--in her artful manner--she was quite a match for me--"Will you tell me the truth?"
"Yes, lady; that I will, whether you buy or not, and sixpence will be cheap at the money."
"Well, then, who told you to bring me that nosegay yesterday?"
"Oh," cried the perplexing creature, with a burst of enjoyment, jumping up and down--"such a gen'l'man! Give me a shilling."
"And how did you know me--I mean, did he point me out to you?"--
"Yes;" answered the little elf--for she looked to me like a mischievous sprite, she laughed as I thought so wickedly--"yes: you was with another."
"Yes: but that was in the fore-part of the day; and you both went away so quick, that you give me no chance; and the gen'l'man called me back. When I seed you in the arternoon, then I give it you."
