Devilshoof said still more politely; and bowing all of the time he removed the ornaments from Florestein's person.
What I thought was politeness, is downright theft, And at this rate I soon shall have nothing left,
the unfortunate dandy moaned, clutching his gewgaws hopelessly, while all the gipsies beset him, each taking all he could for himself. But Devilshoof having secured the medallion, made off with it. He was no sooner gone than a dark woman wrapped in a cloak came into the street and, when she was right in the midst of the squabble, she dropped her cloak and revealed herself as Queen of the band. All the gipsies were amazed and not very comfortable either!--because, strange to say, this gipsy queen did not approve of the maraudings of her band; and when she caught them at thievery she punished them.
"Return those things you have stolen," she commanded, and they made haste to do so, while the trembling Florestein took a hurried inventory of his property. But among the things returned, he didn't find the medallion.
"I'm much obliged to you, Madame, whoever you are, but I'd like a medallion that they have taken, returned."
"That belongs to the chief--Devilshoof," they cried.
"I'll answer for your safety," the Queen said to Florestein, who was not overmuch reassured by this, but still tried to make the best of things. "Now follow me," she called the band, and went, holding Florestein and dragging him with her.
They had no sooner gone than Arline, who had been awakened by the noise outside the tent, came out into the street. Thaddeus followed her. She was greatly disturbed.
"Thaddeus," she said, "I have had a strange dream":
I dreamt that I dwelt in marble halls, With vassals and serfs at my side, And of all who assembled within those walls, That I was the joy and the pride.]
I had riches too great to count;--could boast Of a high ancestral name; But I also dreamt (which pleased me most) That you loved me still the same.
I dreamt that suitors sought my hand, That knights upon bended knee And with vows no maiden heart could withstand They pledged their faith to me.
And I dreamt that one of that noble host Came forth my hand to claim, But I also dreamt (which pleased me most) That you loved me still the same.