Follow Your Heart by Barbara Cartland

countryside.
    *
    Finally they stopped for the night and Della was informed that their new camp was on an estate very similar to the Duke’s.
    There were well–kept woods that she longed to wander into and wide fields that had been cultivated, whilst others had been put down to grass.
    It was one of these fields that Piramus selected for their camp with a confidence which made Della sure they had been here before and had been made welcome.
    She had meant to look for the sign the gypsies always left outside any place they camped, which made it clear to other gypsies whether they were welcome or not.
    She discussed this system with Mireli who laughed and told her that the signs the gypsies left each other were very significant.
    A small cross meant, ‘here they give nothing!’ Two lines across with one slanting down meant, ‘beggars badly received.’
    â€œWhat about a circle?” enquired Della.
    â€œIf it empty – generous people,” replied Mireli. “A dot in the middle – very generous people and kind to gypsies.”
    They both laughed.
    â€œI think it is a very sensible idea,” ventured Della.
    â€œEspecially for those,” added Mireli, “who do not speak language very fluently.”
    As soon as the caravans had ground to a halt the men were unfastening the horses, while Della walked over to visit Lendi.
    When she entered the caravan the old gypsy held out both hands.
    â€œI told you were – with us. Welcome Lady and may you be happy and safe.”
    â€œThat is just what I am sure I will be,” sighed Della, going down on her knees beside the bed.
    She kissed Lendi and continued,
    â€œI was very frightened, so I ran away and then I was frightened in case you would be angry with me.”
    Lendi shook her head.
    â€œNot angry, Lady. Very sensible and you – told to come.”
    â€œThat is true. I thought it was either my mother or even the stars who told me I would be safe if I was with you.”
    Lendi smiled as if she was very pleased at Della’s words.
    Mireli came into the caravan.
    â€œI was wondering, Grandmamma,” she suggested, “if you like to give me lesson while they prepare supper.”
    â€œI will do so,” replied Lendi. “We must be ready in case you have to take my place.”
    Della knew she was saying that she might die and felt like protesting, but she thought it more tactful if she left the two gypsies together.
    Before she could move, Lendi understood her thoughts and urged her.
    â€œNo, Lady stay and listen. Good for you listen.”
    â€œI would love to, Lendi, if Mireli does not mind.”
    â€œI like you be with us,” said Mireli simply.
    She sat down on the bed while Della reclined on the floor.
    Lendi produced the Tarot cards from under her pillow and handed them to Mireli telling her to explain what each one meant.
    Mireli did as she was told explaining what each Tarot card represented and making very few mistakes.
    She was speaking in English, but occasionally, when it was difficult to find the right words, she would lapse into Romani.
    Della was delighted to find she could understand a good deal of what she was saying. She thought while she was with the gypsies she should ask the others to talk to her in Romani to improve her knowledge of the language.
    Mireli had been successfully through all the Tarot cards and this time Lendi produced a crystal ball, again from under her pillow.
    It was a large crystal, looking deep yet clear.
    â€œCan you really see pictures in it?” Della asked Lendi.
    â€œSometimes,” she replied, “but – important for – persons whose future you are reading to think. Easier – read thoughts rather than see them in ball.”
    Della thought it was a clever way of making sure the person whose fortune they were telling really did concentrate, as he or she would be looking for what they wanted and what they were hoping