At the Draper's

"I stood at the back of the shop, my dear,

But you did not perceive me.

Well, when they deliver what you were shown

I shall know nothing of it, believe me!"

And he coughed and coughed as she paled and said,

"O, I didn't see you come in there -

Why couldn't you speak?" "Well, I didn't. I left

That you should not notice I'd been there.

You were viewing some lovely things. "Soon required

For a widow, of latest fashion;"

And I knew 'twould upset you to meet the man

Who had to be cold and ashen

And screwed in a box before they could dress you

"In the latest new note in mourning,"

As they defined it. So, not to distress you,

I left you to your adorning."

-o0o-