XII — AT THE DRAPER'S

“I stood at the back of the shop, my dear,

But you did not perceive me.

Well, when they deliver what you were shown

I shall know nothing of it, believe me!”

And he coughed and coughed as she paled and said,

“O, I did n't see you come in there -

Why could n't you speak?” — “Well, I did n't. I left

That you should not notice I'd been there.

“You were viewing some lovely things.‘ Soon required

For a widow, of latest fashion’;

And I knew‘ twould upset you to meet the man

Who had to be cold and ashen

“And screwed in a box before they could dress you

‘ In the last new note in mourning,’

As they defined it. So, not to distress you,

I left you to your adorning.”