So Harry and I rush'd on to our fate,
And the unseen world was passive as Death.

We stroll'd through the gardens till dinner came,
The scented breezes were faultlessly sweet;
The sun went suddenly down in a flame,
While the birds their jubilant hymns repeat,
We chatted at dinner, and afterwards,
And the moments pleasantly slid away,
But when Mr. Devize suggested cards,
I laughingly told him I could not play.

The cards are produced; the men begin;
I sit by Harry and watch his hand;
I am very eager that he should win,
And when he does so, I feel very grand.

'Twas all very well for once you see;
Its novelty made it a thing to praise;
It was quite a joke for a girl like me,
Living with men and observing their ways.

But when Jack had dined again and again,
And with others enjoy'd the cards and fare.
With a little shiver that felt like pain,
I would say 'good night' and leave Harry there.

Cool is the chamber and pleasant the light,
Tranquil and innocent, tender and calm;
Sweet are the thoughts that approach us at night,