Hyacinthe chuckled and kissed her softly. "Hardly perfect," he assured her. "But Tsingani have a reputation for being thieves - which I am - and liars and con artists, swindling foolish gadje of their coin."

All of which was true, though it was hardly the whole truth. And they were accused of much worse which wasn't true, but he hardly wished to bring those up now.

"And to the Tsingano, I am, in ways, unnatural. I belong to no kumpania, I remain in one place all year round. How can I walk the Lungo Drom when I stay in one place? 'Tis complicated." He gave a smile, slightly bitter. "There, I felt Tsingano to my core. Here, I have been forced to realize how D'angelline I truly am."