these words, wandered around the
whole congregation; and when he had concluded them, the eyes of the whole
congregation were turned upon my companions and myself.

CHAPTER IX.

RETURN FROM CHURCH--THE CUCKOO AND GYPSY--SPIRITUAL DISCOURSE.

The service over, my companions and myself returned towards the
encampment by the way we came. Some of the humble part of the
congregation laughed and joked at us as we passed. Mr. Petulengro and
his wife, however, returned their laughs and jokes with interest. As for
Tawno and myself, we said nothing: Tawno, like most handsome fellows,
having very little to say for himself at any time; and myself, though not
handsome, not being particularly skilful at repartee. Some boys followed
us for a considerable time, making all kinds of observations about
gypsies; but as we walked at a great pace, we gradually left them behind,
and at last lost sight of them. Mrs. Petulengro and Tawno Chikno walked
together, even as they had come; whilst Mr. Petulengro and myself
followed at a little distance.

"That was a very fine preacher we heard," said I to Mr. Petulengro, after
we had crossed the stile into the fields.

"Very fine, indeed, brother," said Mr. Petulengro; "he is talked of far
and wide, for his sermons; folks say that there is scarcely another like
him in the whole of England."

"He looks rather melancholy, Jasper."

"He lost his wife several years ago, who, they say, was one of the most
beautiful women ever seen. They say that it was grief for her loss that
made him come out mighty strong as a preacher; for, though he was a
clergyman, he was never heard of in the pulpit before he lost his wife;
since then the whole country has rung with the preaching of the clergyman
of M . . ., as they call him. Those two nice young gentlewomen, whom you
saw with the female childer, are his daughters."

"You seem to know all about him, Jasper. Did you ever hear him preach
before?"

"Never, brother; but he has frequently been to our tent, and his
daughters too, and given us tracts; for he is one of the people they call
Evangelicals, who give folks tracts which they cannot read."

"You should learn to read, Jasper."

"We have no time, brother."

"Are you not frequently idle?"

"Never, brother; when we are not engaged in our traffic, we are engaged
in taking our relaxation: so we have no time to learn."

"You really should make an effort. If you were disposed to learn to
r