III
Once to a crowded social fête
Both these much-titled people came,
And each perceived, when introduced,
They had the self-same name.
Their hostess said, when first they met:
“Permit me now to introduce
My good friend Mr. Clabberhuse
“’Tis very strange,” said she to him,
“Such an unusual name!—
A name so very seldom heard,
That we should bear the same.”
“Indeed, ’tis wonderful,” said he,
“And I’m surprised the more,
Because I never heard the name
Outside my home before.
“But now I come to look at you,”
Said he, “upon my life,
If I am not indeed deceived,
You are—you are—my wife.”
She gazed into his searching face,
And seemed to look him through;
“Indeed,” said she, “it seems to me
You are my husband, too.
“I’ve been so busy with my clubs,
And in my various spheres,
I have not seen you now,” she said,
“For over fourteen years.”
“That’s just the way it’s been with me;
These clubs demand a sight”—
And then they both politely bowed,
And sweetly said “Good-night.”
Sam Walter Foss.