“Do tell us, mama, whether gipsies really steal children?” said Edwin,
on his return from his morning’s walk with his nurse and sister. “There
is a camp to-day in the green lane, and nurse would not let us stir a
step from her side. I thought that the stories about them were only
silly fables like those of witches and fairies.”
“Most of those you meet with are no doubt inventions, but I believe
there have been some actual instances of these wandering tribes
carrying off children, either for the purpose of swelling their
numbers, or of exciting compassion when they beg. I remember one story
which professes to be true, and which at any rate may interest you and
Emily. Shall I tell it to you?”
“O pray, pray let us hear it!” cried Emily and Edwin at once. So here
it is.