Volume Ii Part 15 (1/2)

I.

The House is all deserted, In the dim evening gloom, Only one figure pa.s.ses Slowly from room to room; And, pausing at each doorway, Seems gathering up again Within her heart the relics Of bygone joy and pain.

II.

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 Alice 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 Alice Strength, soothing, and relief; And Alice--last sad comfort True woman-heart can take-- Had something still to suffer And bear for Herbert's sake.

V.

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

What was it--joy, or sorrow?

What were they--hopes, or fears?

That flushed her cheeks with crimson, And filled 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 Alice, Poor weary heart, at length, Weighed down by others' weakness, Could lean upon his strength.

VII.

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

So, from that little household The worst gloom pa.s.sed 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 sighs and sounds of country Came in the warm soft tune Sung by the honeyed breezes Borne on the wings of June.

IX.

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

X.