She sits locked in her room,
Uncompanioned, alone.

At a knock, at a call
How she shivers and starts!
She's "that nervous"--and "Hall
Of 'er fambly 'as 'earts."

Not till gloaming obscure
Cools hot London at last,
Hies she forth to procure
Her ideal repast.

"_A red 'erring, an inion,
Just of dripping a bite_"
--This is not my opinion,
Hers _verbatim_ I cite.

But I fancy, though loth to
Thus detract from her merits,
(And I've her solemn oath too!)
That she's "partial to sperrits."

For once suddenly coming
(She supposed me away)
I was struck by her humming
"_Ta-ra-ra Boom de Ay!_"

And not humming it only;
Also _dancing_ the same,--