Which hides domestic mystery away;

It was not often that they looked that way.

Perhaps the atmosphere of such a place

As the metropolis on such a day

Had made them faint, as often is the case:

The cause in feminines is often hard to trace.[6]

[6]

XIV.

But still, methinks, it was the want of change

That blanched the buxom beauty of their cheeks,

The want of some secluded, pleasant grange

Away from town, for twelve or thirteen weeks,

The hilarity of right down country freaks

And rambles in the meadows bright and green,

Such as the “pater” usually seeks,

With charming walks and panoramic scene

And velvet-like ascents with verdant vales between.

XV.

'Twas evident the fair ones thought so too,

As they suggested to their fond mamma

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