I hadn't a round-trip ticket to go back, My girl-wife was as brave as she was good, Well, neighborhood meant counties in those days; One night, when I came home unusual late, That speech,-it hadn't been gone half a minute And I'd have given all I had, and more, She handed back no words, as I could hear; Half proud, half crushed, she stood and look'd me o'er, Like someone she had never seen before! But such a sudden anguish-lit surprise I never viewed before in human eyes. (I've seen it oft enough since in a dream; It sometimes wakes me like a midnight scream.) Next morning, when, stone-faced but heavy-hearted, With dinner-pail and sharpen'd axe I started Away for my day's work, she watch'd the door, And followed me half way to it or more; And I was just a-turning round at this, But on her lip I saw a proudish curve, And she had shown-perhaps half unawares- Didn't advertise to furnish kisses free: Full market price, and go more'n half the way. But, when at noon my lunch I came to eat, Choicer, somewhat, than yesterday's had been, "Tender and pleasant thoughts," I knew they meant,— It seem'd as if her kiss with me she'd sent; Then I became once more her humble lover, And said, "Tonight I'll ask forgiveness of her." I went home overearly on that eve, A dozen first-class reasons said 'twas right Half out of breath, the cabin door I swung, My house had lost its soul, she was not there! And these are something like the words it said: "The cows are strayed again, I fear, I watch'd them pretty close; don't scold me, dear. And where they are I think I nearly know; I heard the bell not very long ago. I've hunted for them all the afternoon; I'll try once more,-I think I'll find them soon. Dear, if a burden I have been to you, Scarce did I give this letter sight and tongue,- I'd think I saw her,-knowing 'twas not true. Through my small clearing dash'd wide sheets of spray, In the bold clamour of its cannonade.. And she, while I was shelter'd, dry, and warm, She who, when storm-frights found her at her best, Had always hid her white face on my breast! |