"Were you frightened?" Helka asked.
"A little," replied Cora, "she has such a dreadful face."
"Like a witch," admitted Helka. "That is why she is so powerful--she can frighten every one with her face."
"And the new tribe she spoke of?"
"Has, I believe, a beautiful queen, and they are always trying to make me jealous. But since I have seen you, I care less for my gypsy life."
"I am glad! I hope we may both soon go out in the beautiful, free world, and then you could meet David----"
"Hush! I heard a step! Lie down and pretend illness."
Again Cora did as she was commanded. It did seem as if all were commands in this strange world.
There was a tap at the door.
"Enter!" called Helka.
A very young girl stepped into the room timidly.
"Sam sent this," she said, then turned and ran away.
Helka opened the cigar box. "Cigarettes, I suppose," she said. Then she smiled. "Why, it"s a present--a bracelet. I suppose Sam found this as he finds everything else he sends me--in other people"s pockets. Well, it is pretty, and I shall keep it. I love bracelets."
She clasped the trinket on her white arm. It was pretty, and Cora had no doubt that it had been stolen, but as well for Helka to keep it as to try to do anything better with it.
"I should like to give it to _you_," said the queen suddenly. She took off the bracelet and examined it closely.
"Oh, I really couldn"t take it," objected Cora.
"I know what you think, but suppose you got out some time? This might lead to----"
"Oh, I see. You need not speak more plainly. Perhaps when I go I may ask you for it!"
"It has a name inside. Betty----"
"Betty!" exclaimed Cora.
"Do you know a Betty?"
"Indeed, I do! She was with us when----"
"Then that was when Sam found it. The name is Betty Rand!"
"Oh, do you think they have harmed Betty?" and Cora grew pale.
"Bless you, no! I heard that the girls had been searching the woods for you. She may have dropped it----"
"Oh, I hope so. Dear Betty!" and Cora"s eyes welled up. "What would I not give to see them all!"
"Well, now, dear, you must not be impatient. See, I am reforming. I have not smoked today. And that is something that has not occurred in years. If you should make a lady out of a savage, would you think your time ill spent?"
Cora gathered up the robe she wore. It did seem as if she had been in gypsy land so long! She was almost familiar now with its strange ways and customs.
"You are not a savage, and I love your music. If you come out into the world, I am going to take you among my friends. We all have some musical education, but you have musical talent."
"Do you really think so? David loves music. Shall I sing?"
"Are you not afraid of that old woman?" asked Cora.
"Not in the least. Besides, if I sing she will think all is well."
She took up her guitar. But after running her fingers across the strings she laid it down again.
"Tell me," she spoke suddenly, "about your mother. I hope she will not worry too much. If ever I knew my sweet mother I should be willing to live in a cave all my life."
Cora had always heard girls speak this way of lost mothers. Yes, it was sweet to have one--to know one.
"My mother is a brave woman," said Cora. "She will never give up until all hope is gone."
"I know she is brave, for you must be like her. And your brother?"
"He will miss me," answered Cora brokenly, for she could not even speak of Jack without being affected.
The great, dark eyes of the gypsy looked out into the forest. Cora wondered of what she could be thinking.
"Jack," she repeated, "Jack what?"
"Jack Kimball," replied Cora, still wondering.
"That sounds like a brave name," remarked the queen. "I am getting spoiled, I"m afraid. I cannot help being interested in the outside world."
"Why should you not be?" asked Cora.
"Because I do not belong to it. To be content one must not be too curious. That, I believe, is philosophy, and----"
"There is some one coming," interrupted Cora.
"It is Lena. I am like the blind. I know every one"s step."
And she was not mistaken, for a moment later Lena entered the room.
CHAPTER XXII
SADDENED HEARTS