Mabel: 

 Your words are but riddles, I beg you explain. 

 Roger: 

 No, no, rather bid me keep silent! To say Why I go were as weak on my part as to stay. 

 Mabel: 

 I think you most cruel! You know, sir, my sex Loves dearly a secret. Then why should you vex And torment me in this way by hinting at one? 

 Roger: 

 Let us talk of the weather, I think the storm done. 

 Mabel: 

 Very well! I will go! No, you need not come too, And I will not shake hands, I am angry with you. 

 Roger: 

 And you will not shake hands when we part for all time? 

 Mabel: 

 Then read me your riddle! 

 Roger: 

 No, that were a crime Against honor and friendship; girl, girl, have a care— You are goading my poor, tortured heart to despair. 

No, that were a crime

 His last words were lost in the loud thunder's crash; The sea seemed ablaze with a sulphurous flash. From the rocks just above them an evergreen tree Was torn up by the roots and flung into the sea. The waves with rude arms hurled it back on the shore; The wind gained in fury. The glare and the roar Of the lightning and tempest paled Mabel Lee's cheek, Her pupils dilated; she sprang with a shriek Of a terrified child lost to all save alarm, And 

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