XVII.

“Ah,” said the sister of Elbert, soothingly,

“Our soaring lark here bathes in each bright pool.

So be not frighten’d off; her plumes but shake

A sprinkling from the bath they had to-day.”

“Some please the world,” said Edith; “I, myself,—

My soul, I mean; nor long to clip that soul

To suit mere worldling’s notions. Courting crowds,

A soul lives crampt; but if one speak the truth,

Crowds leave—good riddance!—place is clear’d for friends.”