an, by gypsy law, brother, is allowed to kick and beat
his wife, and to bury her alive, if he thinks proper. I am a gypsy, and
have nothing to say against the law.'

'But what has Mikailia Chikno to say about it?'

'She is a cripple, brother, the only cripple amongst the Roman people: so
she is allowed to do and say as she pleases. Moreover, her husband does
not think fit to kick or beat her, though it is my opinion she would like
him all the better if he were occasionally to do so, and threaten to bury
her alive; at any rate, she would treat him better, and respect him
more.'

'Your sister does not seem to stand much in awe of Jasper Petulengro,
Ursula.'

'Let the matters of my sister and Jasper Petulengro alone, brother; you
must travel in their company some time before you can understand them;
they are a strange two, up to all kind of chaffing: but two more regular
Romans don't breathe, and I'll tell you, for your instruction, that there
isn't a better mare-breaker in England than Jasper Petulengro, if you can
manage Miss Isopel Berners as well as--'

'Isopel Berners,' said I, 'how came you to think of her?'

'How should I but think of her, brother, living as she does with you in
Mumper's dingle, and travelling about with you; you will have, brother,
more difficulty to manage her, than Jasper has to manage my sister
Pakomovna. I should have mentioned her before, only I wanted to know
what you had to say to me; and when we got into discourse, I forgot her.
I say, brother, let me tell you your dukkerin, with respect to her, you
will never--'

'I want to hear no dukkerin, Ursula.'

'Do let me tell you your dukkerin, brother, you will never manage--'

'I want to hear no dukkerin, Ursula, in connection with Isopel Berners.
Moreover, it is Sunday, we will change the subject; it is surprising to
me that, after all you have undergone, you should still look so
beautiful. I suppose you do not think of marrying again, Ursula?'

'No, brother, one husband at a time is quite enough for any reasonable
mort; especially such a good husband as I have got.'

'Such a good husband! why, I thought you told me your husband was
drowned?'

'Yes, brother, my first husband was.'

'And have you a second?'

'To be sure, brother.'

'And who is he? in the name of wonder.'

'Who is he? Why Sylvester, to be sure.'

'I do assure you, Ursula, that I feel disposed to be angry with you; such
a handsome young woman as yourself