Part 10 (1/2)

There is an earnest longing In those who onward gaze, Looking with weary patience Towards the coming days.

There is a deeper longing, More sad, more strong, more keen: Those know it who look backward, And yearn for what has been.

III.

At every hearth she pauses, Touches each well-known chair; Gazes from every window, Lingers on every stair.

What have these months brought Bertha Now one more year is past?

This Christmas Eve shall tell us, The third one and the last.

IV.

The wilful, wayward Dora, In those first weeks of grief, Could seek and find in Bertha Strength, soothing, and relief.

And Bertha--last sad comfort True woman-heart can take-- Had something still to suffer And do for Herbert's sake.

V.

Spring, with her western breezes, From Indian islands bore To Bertha news that Leonard Would seek his home once more.

What was it--joy, or sorrow?

What were they--hopes, or fears?

That flush'd her cheeks with crimson, And fill'd her eyes with tears?

VI.

He came. And who so kindly Could ask and hear her tell Herbert's last hours; for Leonard Had known and loved him well.

Daily he came; and Bertha, Poor wear heart, at length, Weigh'd down by other's weakness, Could rest upon his strength.

VII.

Yet not the voice of Leonard Could her true care beguile, That turn'd to watch, rejoicing, Dora's reviving smile.

So, from that little household The worst gloom pa.s.s'd away, The one bright hour of evening Lit up the livelong day.

VIII.

Days pa.s.sed. The golden summer In sudden heat bore down Its blue, bright, glowing sweetness Upon the scorching town.

And sights and sounds of country Came in the warm soft tune Sung by the honey'd breezes Borne on the wings of June.

IX.

One twilight hour, but earlier Than usual, Bertha thought She knew the fresh sweet fragrance Of flowers that Leonard brought; Through open'd doors and windows It stole up through the gloom, And with appealing sweetness Drew Bertha from her room.

X.

Yes, he was there; and pausing Just near the open'd door, To check her heart's quick beating, She heard--and paused still more-- His low voice Dora's answers-- His pleading--Yes, she knew The tone--the words--the accents: She once had heard them too.

XI.