A man, by gypsy law, brother, is allowed to kick and beat his wife, and to bury her alive, if he thinks proper.

I am a gypsy, and have nothing to say against the law." "But what has Mikailia Chikno to say about it ?" "She is a cripple, brother, the only cripple amongst the Roman people: so she is allowed to do and say as she pleases.

Moreover, her husband does not think fit to kick or beat her, though it is my opinion she would like him all the better if he were occasionally to do so, and threaten to bury her alive; at any rate, she would treat him better, and respect him more." "Your sister does not seem to stand much in awe of Jasper Petulengro, Ursula." "Let the matters of my sister and Jasper Petulengro alone, brother; you must travel in their company some time before you can understand them; they are a strange two, up to all kind of chaffing: but two more regular Romans don't breathe, and I'll tell you, for your instruction, that there isn't a better mare-breaker in England than Jasper Petulengro, if you can manage Miss Isopel Berners as well as--" "Isopel Berners," said I, "how came you to think of her ?" "How should I but think of her, brother, living as she does with you in Mumper's dingle, and travelling about with you; you will have, brother, more difficulty to manage her, than Jasper has to manage my sister Pakomovna.

I should have mentioned her before, only I wanted to know what you had to say to me; and when we got into discourse, I forgot her.
I say, brother, let me tell you your dukkerin, with respect to her, you will never--" "I want to hear no dukkerin, Ursula." "Do let me tell you your dukkerin, brother, you will never manage--" "I want to hear no dukkerin, Ursula, in connection with Isopel Berners.
Moreover, it is Sunday, we will change the subject; it is surprising to me that, after all you have undergone, you should look so beautiful.

I suppose you do not think of marrying again, Ursula ?" "No, brother, one husband at a time is quite enough for any reasonable mort; especially such a good husband as I have got." "Such a good husband! why, I thought you told me your husband was drowned ?" "Yes, brother, my first husband was." "And have you a second ?" "To be sure, brother." "And who is he?
in the name of wonder." "Who is he?
why Sylvester, to be sure." "I do assure you, Ursula, that I feel disposed to be angry with you; such a handsome young woman as yourself to take up with such a nasty pepper- faced good for nothing--" "I won't hear my husband abused, brother; so you had better say no more." "Why, is he not the Lazarus of the gypsies?
has he a penny of his own, Ursula ?" "Then the more his want, brother, of a clever chi like me to take care of him and his childer.