And on his sweet face I had never seen

A sweeter smile than illumin'd it then.

With smiles he caress'd me: 'you little thing—

You dear little thing,' he tenderly said;

'We have banish'd you by the cards we bring;

Let us banish cards and have you instead.'

I clapp'd my hands, and my heart beat light,

As I softly whisper'd, 'Indeed you may,

For I'm certain, Harry, it is not right

right

To spend so much money and time at play.'

He gave me an odd little look askance,

And mutter'd, 'A man must do something though;'

[pg 61]

I answer'd the look with a loving glance,

'But the something need not be cards, you know;

There is plenty to do before we die,

That may suit a gay and a careless mood;

We are so happy, Harry, you and I,

That I think we ought to be ever so good.

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