And I, by grant of your permission, will
Pass by to where I hear her playing."
"Stay,"
I said, "one moment, Vivian, if you please;"
And suddenly bereft of all my ease,
And scarcely knowing what to do or say,
Confused as any schoolgirl, I arose,
And some way made each to the other known.
They bowed, shook hands, then Vivian turned away
And sought out Helen, leaving us alone.

"One of Miss Trevor's or of Maurine's beaux?
Which may he be, who cometh like a prince
With haughty bearing and an eagle eye?"
Roy queried, laughing; and I answered, "Since
You saw him pass me for Miss Trevor's side,
I leave your own good judgment to reply."

And straightway caused the tide of talk to glide
In other channels, striving to dispel
The sudden gloom that o'er my spirit fell.

We mortals are such hypocrites at best!
When Conscience tries our courage with a test,
And points to some steep pathway, we set out
Boldly, denying any fear or doubt;
But pause before the first rock in the way,
And, looking back, with tears, at Conscience, say:
"We are so sad, dear Conscience! for we would
Most gladly do what to thee seemeth good;