"You acted rightly," said he, as Ivan concluded; "and you may some future day be richly rewarded. Is she not beautiful, and endowed with talent, and far superior to the life she leads?" "If you allude to Azila," replied Ivan, "she is both; but how happens it, that you are acquainted with these Gipsies?" "Ha! ha! ha!" chuckled the dwarf, "that's a long story, my dear boy, and I cannot tell it you now, though I may some day. You have much to learn--many deep secrets--of which my bosom is the depositary; ha! ha! those who despise me, little know the power I possess! There is one, who would give half he is worth, to know a secret which is safely locked up in my breast, and he would not scruple to tear it open, if he knew that it was there! Ha! ha! ha!" and the dwarf laughed shrilly, as he triumphed in this consciousness of his own power, and of the revenge he was taking on those by whom he considered himself injured. "Now to you, Ivan," he continued, "who indulge in no idle curiosity, and treat me so kindly, I will some day, when the fit moment arrives, disclose the treasured secret." "You are one of the first of the few persons I remember ever since my childhood," answered Ivan, "and I act towards you as I feel--with sincere regard. But tell me, Ladislau, what is there remarkable, or unusual, with respect to the Gipsy's daughter, besides her beauty, which I can judge of, and her talents which I suppose do not extend beyond her sweet singing, and a clever tact in turning her pretended knowledge of palmistry to account." "Ah, you little see into her character, if you imagine that she practises any of the vulgar deceits of her tribe," answered the dwarf. "She is above every act of that kind. Her heart is with her people, and she delights in their wild life; yet she might, if it so pleased her, dwell in cities, and enjoy all the luxuries others value so highly. Her education has not been neglected, while her talents are of the highest order, her judgment superior, and her virtue unquestionable; these high endowments she employs for her noble ends. She might have been far different from what she is--enjoying rank, riches and power; but then too probably, alas! she might have been proud, vicious and ignorant. I love her much, but would not have her different to what she is, though on some future day, it may be said that I have injured her; but I know better. I am saying, perhaps, more than is prudent; I can, however, trust you, Ivan, and I beseech you, utter not a syllable of what you have heard, as you love me." "Your confidence shall not be abused," answered Ivan. "Fare thee well, fare thee well! I must now away, my young friend;" quickly cried the little man, as whisking round on one foot, waving his hand, and singing his adieus, he skipped out of the room.