They have ceased singing that old duet,
Stately Maud and the tenor, McKey.
"You are burning your coat with your cigarette,
And _qu' avez vous_, dearest, your lids are wet,"
Maud says, as she leans o'er me.
And I smile, and lie to her, husband-wise,
"Oh, it is nothing but smoke in my eyes."

[Illustration: "I LOVE THEE; THEE ALONE"]

[Illustration:]




LITTLE QUEEN.

Do you remember the name I wore--
The old pet-name of Little Queen--
In the dear, dead days that are no more,
The happiest days of our lives, I ween?
For we loved with that passionate love of youth
That blesses but once with its perfect bliss--
A love that, in spite of its trust and truth,
Seems never to thrive in a world like this.

I lived for you, and you lived for me;
All was centered in "Little Queen;"
And never a thought in our hearts had we
That strife or trouble could come between.