There were three of them—Bob, Jack and Arthur—handsome men; So good to their mother, so courteous, and brave, and kind! Well—she bred them for England! It was God’s will, Amen; For her sorrow on earth, a reward in Heaven she would find. But Lily (the third from the left in “The Beauty-girl’s Glide”) Belonged to no clubs or committees, wasn’t noble at all; And the night of Jack’s death, in the wings, she broke down and cried Till her face was a sight and she couldn’t go on for the Ball. She hadn’t bred him for England, nor looked for rewards “up above”; He was all that she cared for on earth; and she railed at Fate And called down a curse on those who had slain her love. The “for England” touch she couldn’t appreciate. But Lily, of course, was only a simple soul. She lacked Mrs. Calhus’s exquisite self-control. _Little Houses_ (_Hill Street, Knightsbridge_) Little, houses, though prim, have often a secret glance That can speak to a heart outside—as one speaks to me— And even their close-drawn curtains seem to enhance The charm of their sly reserve, of their mystery.... I like to walk through the Square to your quiet street, And look at your windows—with just a suspicion of pride— For I may go in, when I dare, and sit at your feet, But the people who pass can’t guess what it’s like inside. They haven’t a notion—but I see your small armchair And your dog, by the fire, and your novel thrown on the floor; And I know there will always be flowers when you are there, And always a smile for me, when I open your door! _Malise-Robes_ The address is good—10A, North Molton Street— I’m clever at the trade, and doing well; Haven’t a single cause for discontent! Wilfrid is pleased: I’m safe: why mourn (you say) The old days when I loved him, and was poor? Ah, why! Fool, fool—to ask one that. I love him still, I think. Sometimes he comes And takes me off to Paris for a week; Flatters himself I’m “doing well at last”; That he’s not brought me harm; but, rather, good. It ought to be enough! And yet, and yet— You see I’m thirty-five, and I’ve no child.... True, I’ve the shares in “Malise Limited,” And that’s worth fifteen hundred solid pounds a year.... I’ll marry my Paris buyer. He’s a good sort: And we’ll soon be very rich.... But I’m so tired. I wish he’d only kept me in a flat Somewhere in Maida Vale; come once a week And let me cook the dinner.... Votes! Good God! The way to manage women is the Turk’s.... _The Young Married Couple_ (_Muswell Hill_) The Home of the young married couple is pleasant and clean, They receive me together. They say “Will I please come in,” And “not mind” some small thing (which I have not seen). Then: “Dinner is ready now”; and “shall we begin?”