SMOKE

Last summer, lazing by the sea,

I met a most entrancing creature,

Her black eyes quite bewildered me —

She had a Spanish cast of feature.

She often smoked a cigarette,

And did it in the cutest fashion.

Before a week passed by she set

My young heart in a raging passion.

I swore I loved her as my life,

I gave her gems ( do n't tell my tailor ).

She promised to become my wife,

But whispered,‘ Papa is my jailer.’

‘ We must be very sly, you see,

For Papa will not list to reason.

You must not come to call on me

Until he's gone from home a season.

‘ I'll send you word, now do n't forget,

Take this as pledge, I will remember.’

She gave me a perfumed cigarette,

And turned and left me with September.

To-day she sent her‘ cards’ to me.

‘ My presence asked’ to see her marry

That millionaire old banker C — -

She has my‘ presents,’ so I'll tarry.

And still I feel a keen regret

( About the jewels that I gave her )

I've smoked the little cigarette —

It had a most delicious flavour.