'
Rhona, however, instead of joining Videy in the prayer for
backsheesh, ran down the path in the footsteps of Sinfi.
What money I had about me I was carrying loose in my waistcoat
pocket, and I pulled it out, gold and silver together. I picked
out the sovereigns (five) and gave them to her, retaining
half-a-sovereign and the silver for my use before returning to the
hotel at Dolgelley. Videy took the sovereigns and then pointed, with
a dazzling smile, to the half-sovereign, saying, 'Give Lady Sinfi's
poor sister the posh balanser [half-sovereign], my rei.'
I gave her the half-sovereign,' when she immediately pointed to a
half-crown in my hand, and said, 'Give the poor Gypsy the
posh-courna, my rei.'
So grateful was I to the very name of Lovell, that I was hesitating
whether to do this, when I was suddenly aware of the presence of
Sinfi, who had returned with Rhona. In a moment Videy's wrist was in
a grip I had become familiar with, and the money fell to the ground.
Sinfi pointed to the money and said some words in Romany. Videy
stooped and picked the coins up in evident alarm.
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