THE LOST MISTRESS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 14013, 18 September 1909, Page 6

THE LOST MISTRESS.

All's over, then : doth truth sound bitter As one at first believes? Hark, 'tis the sparrows' good-night twitter About your cottage eaves! And the leaf-frads on the vine are woolly, I noticed that, to-day; One day more bursts them open fully — You know the red turns gray. To-morrow we meet the same then, dearest ? May I take your hand in mine? Mere friends are we — well, friends tho merest Keep much that I resign. For each glance of the eye so bright and black, ~- Though I keep with heart's endeav-

our, — Your voice, when you wish the snow drops back, Though it stay in my soul for erer! Yet I will but say what mere friend; say, Or only a thought stronger ; I will hold your hand bnt as long as all may, Or so very little longer! — Robert Browning.