To little birds that never tire of humming About the garden in the summer weather, Aunt Ruth compared us, after Helen's coming, As we two roamed, or sat and talked together.
Twelve months apart, we had so much to say Of school days gone--and time since passed away; Of that old friend, and this; of what we'd done;
Of how our separate paths in life had run; Of what we would do, in the coming years; Of plans and castles, hopes and dreams and fears.
All these, and more, as soon as we found speech, We touched upon, and skimmed from this to that.
But at the first each only gazed on each, And, dumb with joy, that did not need a voice Like lesser joys, to say, "Lo! I rejoice,"
With smiling eyes and clasping hands we sat Wrapped in that peace, felt but with those dear, Contented just to know each other near.
But when this silent eloquence gave place To words, 'twas like the rising of a flood Above a dam. We sat there, face to face, And let our talk glide on where'er it would, Speech never halting in its speed or zest, Save when our rippling laughter let it rest; Just as a stream will sometimes pause and play About a bubbling spring, then dash away.
No wonder, then, the third day's sun was nigh Up to the zenith when my friend and I Opened our eyes from slumber long and deep:
Nature demanding recompense for hours Spent in the portico, among the flowers, Halves of two nights we should have spent in sleep.
So this third day, we breakfasted at one:
Then walked about the garden in the sun, Hearing the thrushes and the robins sing, And looking to see what buds were opening.
The clock chimed three, and we yet strayed at will About the yard in morning dishabille, When Aunt Ruth came, with apron o'er her head, Holding a letter in her hand, and said, "Here is a note, from Vivian I opine; At least his servant brought it. And now, girls, You may think this is no concern of mine, But in my day young ladies did not go Till almost bed-time roaming to and fro In morning wrappers, and with tangled curls, The very pictures of forlorn distress.
'Tis three o'clock, and time for you to dress.
Come! read your note and hurry in, Maurine, And make yourself fit object to be seen."
Helen was bending o'er an almond bush, And ere she looked up I had read the note, And calmed my heart, that, bounding, sent a flush To brow and cheek, at sight of aught HE wrote.
"Ma Belle Maurine:" (so Vivian's billet ran,)
"Is it not time I saw your cherished guest?
'Pity the sorrows of a poor young man,' Banished from all that makes existence blest.
I'm dying to see--your friend; and I will come And pay respects, hoping you'll be at home To-night at eight. Expectantly, V. D."
Inside my belt I slipped the billet, saying, "Helen, go make yourself most fair to see:
Quick! hurry now! no time for more delaying!
In just five hours a caller will be here, And you must look your prettiest, my dear!
Begin your toilet right away. I know How long it takes you to arrange each bow - To twist each curl, and loop your skirts aright.
And you must prove you are au fait to-night, And make a perfect toilet: for our caller Is man, and critic, poet, artist, scholar, And views with eyes of all."
"Oh, oh! Maurine," Cried Helen with a well-feigned look of fear, "You've frightened me so I shall not appear:
I'll hide away, refusing to be seen By such an ogre. Woe is me! bereft Of all my friends, my peaceful home I've left, And strayed away into the dreadful wood To meet the fate of poor Red Riding Hood.
No, Maurine, no! you've given me such a fright, I'll not go near your ugly wolf to-night."
Meantime we'd left the garden; and I stood In Helen's room, where she had thrown herself Upon a couch, and lay, a winsome elf, Pouting and smiling, cheek upon her arm, Not in the least a portrait of alarm.
"Now, sweet!" I coaxed, and knelt by her, "be good!
Go curl your hair; and please your own Maurine, By putting on that lovely grenadine.
Not wolf, nor ogre, neither Caliban, Nor Mephistopheles, you'll meet to-night, But what the ladies call 'a nice young man'!
Yet one worth knowing--strong with health and might Of perfect manhood; gifted, noble, wise; Moving among his kind with loving eyes, And helpful hand; progressive, brave, refined, After the image of his Maker's mind."
"Now, now, Maurine!" cried Helen, "I believe It is your lover coming here this eve.
Why have you never written of him, pray?
Is the day set?--and when? Say, Maurine, say!"
Had I betrayed by some too fervent word The secret love that all my being stirred?
My lover? Ay! My heart proclaimed him so; But first HIS lips must win the sweet confession, Ere even Helen be allowed to know.
I must straightway erase the slight impression Made by the words just uttered.
"Foolish child!"
I gaily cried, "your fancy's straying wild.
Just let a girl of eighteen hear the name Of maid and youth uttered about one time, And off her fancy goes, at break-neck pace, Defying circumstances, reason, space - And straightway builds romances so sublime They put all Shakespeare's dramas to the shame.
This Vivian Dangerfield is neighbour, friend, And kind companion; bringing books and flowers.
And, by his thoughtful actions without end, Helping me pass some otherwise long hours;
But he has never breathed a word of love.
If you still doubt me, listen while I prove My statement by the letter that he wrote.
'Dying to meet--my friend!' (she could not see The dash between that meant so much to me).
'Will come this eve, at eight, and hopes we may Be in to greet him.' Now I think you'll say 'Tis not much like a lover's tender note."
We laugh, we jest, not meaning what we say; We hide our thoughts, by light words lightly spoken, And pass on heedless, till we find one day They've bruised our hearts, or left some other broken.
I sought my room, and trilling some blithe air, Opened my wardrobe, wondering what to wear.
Momentous question! femininely human!
More than all others, vexing mind of woman, Since that sad day, when in her discontent, To search for leaves, our fair first mother went.