human
Better not venture into the woods, my lady; a gang of gipsies passed through, last night. Then catching sight of Rita, as the child called herself, he burst out in surprise;
gpt
Why, bless my soul! here's one of 'em!
human
Does this child belong to the gipsies?
gpt
Yes, my lady; saw her with them when they passed through, last night. S'pose she's got left behind, in a mistake. I don't believe she's one of 'em, though; stole, most likely.
human
Do you think so? said Lady Maude with interest.
gpt
She does not look unlike a gipsy. Why do you think she has been stolen?
human
Why, my lady, if she had been one of themselves, some of the women would have had her; but nobody seemed to own this one, or to care about her. I saw one of the men draw her along side of the head, last night, with a blow that knocked her down. Lord! how my fingers were itching to do the same to him!
gpt
Poor little thing! said Lady Maude, compassionately, folding her in her arms with a sudden impulse.
human
Poor little thing! Yes, now I think of it, it is more than probable she has been stolen, for she cannot speak English. Carry her to the hall; her poor little feet are all cut and bleeding, and we can not allow her to perish here.