XXVII
‘I wager he knows how to strut, too! It’s all on the cards that the Queen
Will ask him to Buckingham Palace, to say what he’s done and he’s seen.
Victoria’s fond of her soldiers: and she’s got a nose for a fight.
If Tom tells a cleverish story—there is such a thing as a knight!
And don’t he look roguish and handsome!—To see a girl snivelling there—
By George, Miss, it’s clear that you’re jealous’—‘I love him!’ she answered his stare.
XXVIII
‘Yes! now!’ breathed the voice of a woman.—‘Ah! now!’ quiver’d low the reply.
‘And “now”’s just a bit too late, so it’s no use your piping your eye,’
The farmer added bluffly: ‘Old Lawyer Charlworth was rich;
You followed his instructions in kicking Tom into the ditch.
If you’re such a dutiful daughter, that doesn’t prove Tom is a fool.
Forgive and forget’s my motto! and here’s my grog growing cool!’