By Mellstock Lodge and Avenue Towards her door I went, And sunset on her window-panes Reflected our intent.
The creeper on the gable nigh Was fired to more than red And when I came to halt thereby "Bright as my joy!" I said.
Of late days it had been her aim To meet me in the hall;Now at my footsteps no one came;And no one to my call.
Again I knocked; and tardily An inner step was heard, And I was shown her presence then With scarce an answering word.
She met me, and but barely took My proffered warm embrace;Preoccupation weighed her look, And hardened her sweet face.
"To-morrow--could you--would you call?
Make brief your present stay?
My child is ill--my one, my all! -
And can't be left to-day."
And then she turns, and gives commands As I were out of sound, Or were no more to her and hers Than any neighbour round . . .
- As maid I wooed her; but one came And coaxed her heart away, And when in time he wedded her I deemed her gone for aye.
He won, I lost her; and my loss I bore I know not how;But I do think I suffered then Less wretchedness than now.
For Time, in taking him, had oped An unexpected door Of bliss for me, which grew to seem Far surer than before . . .
Her word is steadfast, and I know That plighted firm are we:
But she has caught new love-calls since She smiled as maid on me!
