"I think it is too cold and damp for you," she said turning to the door where the two little white faces were looking out piteously. "Never mind," she added in a lower tone, "I'll come back in a minute, and we'll open the window to let some air in, and then I'll sing you to sleep." Tim could scarcely believe his ears to hear the rough harsh Diana speaking so gently. "If _she'd_ help us," he thought to himself, "there'd be some chance then." But he remained quite still, crouching in the shelter of the van--almost indeed under it--he was so anxious to hear more of Mick's plans if he could, for he noticed that the gipsy hung about while the girl was speaking to the children, as if he had something to say to her unheard by them. They were so frightened of him that they drew back into the dark recesses of the van, and when they were no longer to be seen, Mick pulled Diana's sleeve to attract her attention. "Just you listen to me, girl, will ye?" he said. "I'll stand none of your nonsense--thinking to queen it over us all. Now just listen to me." Diana shook his hand off her arm. "I'll listen if you'll speak civil, Mick," she said. "What is it you've got to say?" She spoke quietly but sternly, and he seemed frightened. He had evidently been drinking more than of late, and Tim shuddered at the thought of what might happen if he were to get into one of his regular tipsy fits while the children were still there. "It's along o' them childer," said Mick, though less roughly now. "You're a-spoiling of them, and I won't have it. To-morrow evening'll see us at Crookford, and the day after they're to be took to the Signor. Their looks'll please him--I'm not afeard for that; but I've gave him to understand that they're well broke in, and there'll be no trouble in teaching them the tricks and singin' and dancin' and all that. And he's to give me a good sum down and a share of the profits. And if he's not pleased and they're turned back on my hands--well, it'll be _your_ doing--that I can tell you, and you shall pay for it. So there--you know my mind." He had worked himself up into rage and excitement again while he spoke, but Diana did not seem to care. "What do you know of the man? will he be good to them?" she said coolly. Mick gave a sneering laugh. "He won't starve them nor beat them so as to spoil their pretty looks," he said. "They'll have to do what they're told, and learn quick what they've got to learn. You don't suppose childer like that 'ull pay for their keep if they're to be made princes and princesses of?" "Then what did you steal them for? You do nothing but grumble about them now you've got them--why didn't you, any way, take them home after a bit and get something for your pains?"