Evalena . maid Ran where her mother sat, and gently laid Her head upon her breast and stroked her hair; And floated off to happy dreamland there. And Papa Randall on the grass lay down. And said I envy no man in the town. My wife, if I should lose this fine estate. Be left to poverty or any fate. With you and Evalena, and Gods grace, Id boldly look the whole world in the face; Id struggle on so manfully and true. So holy is my love for her and you. And Lady Ethel clasped his hand and smiled; And happy tears fell on the sleeping child. The great red sun, just sliding down the West, Seemed half
Evalena . maid Ran where her mother sat, and gently laid Her head upon her breast and stroked her hair; And floated off to happy dreamland there. And Papa Randall on the grass lay down. And said I envy no man in the town. My wife, if I should lose this fine estate. Be left to poverty or any fate. With you and Evalena, and Gods grace, Id boldly look the whole world in the face; Id struggle on so manfully and true. So holy is my love for her and you. And Lady Ethel clasped his hand and smiled; And happy tears fell on the sleeping child. The great red sun, just sliding down the West, Seemed half inclined to quit his flight and rest, But moving onward, seemed to say Good Night; Ill come again and view the pretty sight. Buf when the sun again rode in the sky And peered among the shrubs with searching eye. The tell-tale crape waved out upon the breeze; And zephyrs» breathed a dirge among the trees. And through the open door the King of Day Heard cries of anguish—heard the servants say 9 E V ALEN A. -:i^l mMW: the old stonl; wall which oft rebounded back her hoop AND BALL. 10 EVALEN A My God! my lady,—lifeless on her bed! ^A quick and painless death, the doctor said. But, Phyllis, quick! what did the doctor say? To quiet Master, send the child away, To quiet Master, help us God, I pray. He is not sane; but raves since break of day. There up and down the arbor path he walks With folded arms. So soft and low he talks. Then speeds his steps and raves with gestures wild. Go, John, to him, and I will keep the child. And falling on her knees, the faithful nurse Crosses herself and calls on God to curse The soul of Phyllis if she ever dare To faithless be, or ever cease to care For Evalena with a mothers love. The weary days have plodded on apace. As plods the pointers on the dials face; And over field and hill-side autumn leaves Fall thickly where the lately gathered sheaves Stood rich and full. And now the brooklet sings A doleful roundelay; the grape-vine swings Its withe
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