“It is,” said Andrew; “and she is unquestionably the most beautiful creature that ever was seen.”

“So they say,” said Preciosa, who had overheard these remarks as she came in; “but indeed they must be half out in the reckoning.  I believe I am pretty well, but as handsome as they say—­not a bit of it!”

“By the life of Don Juanico, my son,” said the elder gentleman, “you are far more so, fair gitana.”

“And who is Don Juanico, your son?” said Preciosa.

“That gallant by your side,” said the cavalier.

“Truly, I thought your worship had sworn by some bantling of two years old,” said Preciosa.  “What a pretty little pet of a Don Juanico![72] Why he is old enough to be married; and by certain lines on his forehead, I foresee that married he will be before three years are out, and much to his liking too, if in the meantime he be neither lost nor changed.”

[72] Juanico, diminutive of Juan; Johnny.

“Ay, ay,” said one of the company; “the gitanilla can tell the meaning of a wrinkle.”

During this time, the three gipsy girls, who accompanied Preciosa, had got their heads together and were whispering each other.  “Girls,” said Christina, “that is the gentleman that gave us the three pieces of eight this morning.”

“Sure enough,” said they; “but don’t let us say a word about it unless he mentions it.  How do we know but he may wish to keep it secret?”

Whilst the three were thus conferring together, Preciosa replied to the last remark about wrinkles.  “What I see with my eyes, I divine with my fingers.  Of the Senor Don Juanico, I know without lines that he is somewhat amorous, impetuous, and hasty; and a great promiser of things that seem impossible.  God grant he be not a deceiver, which would be worse than all.  He is now about to make a long journey; but the bay horse thinks one thing, and the man that saddles him thinks another thing.  Man proposes and God disposes.  Perhaps he may think he is bound for Onez, and will find himself on the way to Gaviboa.”

“In truth, gitana,” said Don Juan, “you have guessed right respecting me in several points.  I certainly intend, with God’s will, to set out for Flanders in four or five days, though you forebode that I shall have to turn out of my road; yet I hope no obstacle will occur to frustrate my purpose.”

“Say no more, senorito,” the gipsy replied; “but commend yourself to God, and all will be well.  Be assured I know nothing at all of what I have been saying.  It is no wonder if I sometimes hit the mark, since I talk so much and always at random.  I wish I could speak to such good purpose as to persuade you not to leave home, but remain quietly with your parents to comfort their old age; for I am no friend to these Flanders expeditions, especially for a youth of your tender years.  Wait till you are grown a little more and better able to bear the toils of war; and the rather as you have war enough at home, considering all the amorous conflicts that are raging in your bosom.  Gently, gently with you, madcap!  Look what you are doing before you marry; and now give us a little dole for God’s sake and for the name you bear; for truly I believe you are well born, and if along with this you are loyal and true, then I will sing jubilee for having hit the mark in all I have said to you.”