The pool of St Branok

"Your mother will want you home long before that," Grace told us.

"I should like to have my fortune told," said Morwenna. "Ginny, our parlormaid, had hers told at Summercourt Fair. She is going to marry a rich man and travel overseas. It was a wonderful fortune."

"How can they tell?" asked Jack.

"They can see into the future ... and into the past," Morwenna replied. "They can see all you've done. It's all clear to them. It's all in your hand, particularly if you've done something wicked. That's easiest to see."

Jack looked uneasy, but Morwenna clasped her hands and said: "Oh, I wish we could."

I thought: It's all very well for you. You have never done anything except cheat at lessons a bit ... copying out something from a book which you're supposed to know ... taking a jam tart from the kitchen when the cook's back is turned and saying you didn't. Little sins ... nothing like killing a man and hiding his body.

The pleasure of the fair had gone. That was how it was. Memory came up suddenly ... as that man had come to the pool ... and the pleasure in the day was spoilt.

I was glad when Grace said there was no time to have our fortunes told. She said: "We must start for home now."

And we left the fair. As we walked away the sound of the fiddlers grew fainter but we could hear them singing:

Come lasses and lads Get leave of your dads And away to the maypole hie For every he has got him a she And a fiddler standing by ...

Jack was disappointed at leaving the fair. He had expressed his displeasure and demanded to know why we could not stay. Grace explained that we must get back before dark. Jack never sulked for long and in a few minutes he was himself again. He had a very lovable nature.

The gypsy was sitting by the side of the road. She had a basket full of clothes pegs beside her and I was not sure whether she was coming from or going to the fair.

"Good day to 'ee, ladies and little gent," she said.

"Good day," we replied.

"How would you like the gypsy to give you a nice fortune?"

I heard Morwenna murmur: "Oh yes. Oh, Miss Gilmore, may I?"

Grace hesitated, but Morwenna turned such a happy face to her that she was unable to resist.

"All right then, dear. But we mustn't stay long."

"Cross the gypsy's hand in silver," said the woman.

Morwenna drew back. "Oh ... I don't think I have enough." She produced some coins.

"Well, seeing as you be such a nice little lady, I'll take what you've got. Wouldn't want to disappoint a little love like you."

Morwenna dimpled prettily and held out her hand.

"Oh, I see a long and happy life. You're going to have great good fortune, you are. You're going up to London to see the Queen ... when you're a little older, that is ... and there you are going to find a rich husband and live happy ever after."

It seemed very little for all the money Morwenna had left; and I knew she had wanted to buy a pink sugar mouse and had hesitated because she had thought it too costly. It was very likely that Morwenna might go up to London for a season when she grew older and the object would be to find a suitable husband for her.

She turned to me. "And you, me 'andsome. There's a nice fortune for 'ee, I can see."

She had taken my hand. I was terribly afraid. Was it written there? Was she seeing the pool and that inert body ... those eyes staring at us as the head disappeared?

"Naught to be frightened at, lovey. Tis all fair and smiling for a little lass like you. You're going to London, too. Perhaps you'll go with your little ..." She was trying to decide on our relationship and added: "... little companion." Then I felt that if she didn't know who Morwenna was she would not know about the pool.

Now she turned her attention to Grace.

"Life writes as it goes along," she said. "There'll be more to be seen, little lady, when you be a few years older. And now, my lady, it be your turn." She had taken Grace's hand.

"No," said Grace, "I don't think ..."

The gypsy was looking at her intently. "Oh, there be trouble 'ere ... deep sorrow ..." Grace had turned pale. The woman went on: "I can see water ... water between you and what you desire ..."

I felt myself go limp with apprehension. It was clear to me that she had thought the fortunes of young girls—as she regarded Morwenna and me— were not worth telling. Little did she know! I had a vague idea how this fortune-telling was done. There was a good deal of chance in it, I had no doubt, but I did believe that flashes of truth occasionally emerged; and if something really violent had happened ... it might be possible to detect it. I felt that she may have seen something in my hand which she could not explain. Who would have thought that a girl of my age could be involved in such an experience; and she was transferring it to Grace.

"You will be strong," she was saying. "You will overcome."

The gypsy seemed a little shaken. Her eyes were fixed on Grace's face.

Grace withdrew her hand. "Well ... thank you ..."