GIRL Is that true? Let's see your eyes. Are they blue? GYPSY WOMAN (Joyfully.) Oh, how many good things I see, lady, but I cannot distinguish clearly-without the aid of yellow rays, lady GIRL Give her a gold coin, dear. (He gives her the coin.) GYPSY WOMAN (Placing the coin upon a card, pressing it down firmly with her thumb.) Three little children-two boys and a girl, lady! The boys-tall and strong -see like these (shows jacks) — and the girl-like this-see (shows a queen) GIRL When shall we marry, does it say? It says everything, lady. Within six months. And all happiness for you, lady, and health-except when you will be old-seventy or seventy-five-your knees will hurt you a bit-not much(shows a card somewhat indent see ed.) GIRL Seventy-who cares? GYPSY WOMAN (To Cavalier.) Let me tell yours now, sir. CAVALIER IN BLUE Go on, Gypsy, since you know the truth. GYPSY WOMAN Gypsies always know the truth. They are born with a triple sight, the Present, the Past and the Future-(reading the cards.) A long life, sir, and happy as a lark's. I see something here but I cannot distinguish it clearly, without yellow rays. (Cavalier gives her the gold coin, which Gypsy presses over a card.) I see now-it's riches-much riches-a good wife and faithful-a little pain in the knuckles at seventy-five or eighty-nothing serious, sir-see like this king-(she shows a card a little indented. Then she gathers her cards, while couple leave laughing, delighted.) CAVALIER IN BLUE Are you satisfied, my dear? Yes, dear-I always believe gypsies. Three children for me, and a good wife for you, aren't you glad? |