And my old friend were happy in the sight
Of those of whom I shall such tidings write.”
The Captain wrote not: he perhaps was slow;
Perhaps he wish’d a little more to know.
He wrote not yet; and, while he thus delay’d, 750
Frances alone an early visit paid.
The maiden Lady braved the morning cold,
To tell her Friend what duty bade be told,
Yet not abruptly—she has first to say,
“How cold the morning, but how fine the day!—