They greeted me civilly; and when I spoke Rommany, they answered me in the same language; but they did not speak it well, nor did they, indeed, claim to be "Gipsies" at all, though their complexions had the peculiar hue which indicates some other than Saxon admixture of blood.

Half Rommany in their knowledge, and yet not regarded as such, these "travellers" represented a very large class in England, which is as yet but little understood by our writers, whether of fact or fiction.
They laughed while telling me anecdotes of gentlemen who had mistaken them for real Rommany chals, and finally referred me to "Old Henry," further down, who "could talk with me." This ancient I found a hundred yards beyond, basketing in the sun at the door of his tent.

He greeted me civilly enough, but worked away with his osiers most industriously, while his comrades, less busy, employed themselves vigorously in looking virtuous.

One nursed his infant with tender embraces, another began to examine green sticks with a view to converting them into clothes-pegs--in fact I was in a model community of wandering Shakers.
I regret to say that the instant I uttered a Rommany word, and was recognised, this discipline of decorum was immediately relaxed.

It was not complimentary to my moral character, but it at least showed confidence.