Part 42 (2/2)

So I call him ”Bluebeard” in search of his bride, While I'm Sister Anne at the window.

And what do I call you? Well, here's what I DO: When my sister expects you, she puts me here, too; But I wait till you enter, to see if it's you, And then--I just OPEN the window!

”Dear child!” Yes, that's me! ”Oh, you ask what that's for?

Well, Papa says you're 'Poverty's self,' and what's more, I open the window, when YOU'RE at the door, To see Love fly out of the window!”

ON THE LANDING

(AN IDYL OF THE BAl.u.s.tERS)

BOBBY, aetat. 3 1/2. JOHNNY, aetat. 4 1/2.

BOBBY

Do you know why they've put us in that back room, Up in the attic, close against the sky, And made believe our nursery's a cloak-room?

Do you know why?

JOHNNY

No more I don't, nor why that Sammy's mother, What Ma thinks horrid, 'cause he bunged my eye, Eats an ice cream, down there, like any other!

No more don't I!

BOBBY

Do you know why Nurse says it isn't manners For you and me to ask folks twice for pie, And no one hits that man with two bananas?

Do you know why?

JOHNNY

No more I don't, nor why that girl, whose dress is Off of her shoulders, don't catch cold and die, When you and me gets croup when WE undresses!

No more don't I!

BOBBY

Perhaps she ain't as good as you and I is, And G.o.d don't want her up there in the sky, And lets her live--to come in just when pie is-- Perhaps that's why!

JOHNNY

Do you know why that man that's got a cropped head Rubbed it just now as if he felt a fly?

Could it be, Bobby, something that I dropped?

And is that why?

BOBBY

Good boys behaves, and so they don't get scolded, Nor drop hot milk on folks as they pa.s.s by.

JOHNNY (piously)

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