XXXII. I know not if I shall gain belief, But Annie had scarcely been gone a week, She to a sister's lover bent An ear of attention, and possibly went, For Alfred forgot the vows he swore, And the whispered words in her ear. He began to make love in a desperate style; At first, 'twas only the time to beguile, Awaiting Annie's return; But Eva's eyes were so bright, and so fair That soon deeper emotions burn. And Eva, who never expected wrong, Upon my vision the picture came, To another singing his song. Tears and sobs, like a summer's storm, As she listened to perfidy. How could she bear those words? They seemed That he, who a little time ago, Had seemed no other pleasure to know, But Annie's loving smile, Should now, so miserably base, With a look of false tenderness in his face, But if Eva was young, her heart was strong, Yet fearing and trembling to stay, Ere any one was aware. Her mind resolved, whate'er might come, To leave her mother, to leave her home, Annie's face. When returned from her stay, She might accuse her of some false play, So Eva arose, and nobly fled; Her heart at leaving her mother bled, Though upheld by a right divine. I only knew where she went the while, XXXIII. A mother's voice for a daughter calls, A mother cries in vain, For Eva is far away; The echoes ring from silent walls, The cries are cries of pain; It is a weary day. 'Twas I suggested a home of love For Eva, when she fled, With a friend in a quiet spot, Of that home, till Annie was wed, I liked not deceiving a mother's heart, A note, telling she was well, And for Eva I bore my part, At their questions of course looking grave, XXXIV. Alfred knows the cause of gentle Eva's flight, But he stands aloof; His lips curl up with scorn, Tell them all he knows; And his reddening cheek. He knows not where she is, And he fears disgrace, When Annie's returning face, Tells him she is his, So, though he could, he abstains from doing right. When they are married, I hope he will prove XXXV. Annie's wedding-day dawns bright, All night while the thunder pealed, With sheets of fire the sky Had burned like mighty flame, The rising winds whistled high, The sun sprang up from his rest, His warming rays soon expressed |