Like male-friends, clinging—true as iron, forsooth—

To each new stronger magnet! Were they thus,

Our homes might hardly hold our rivals there.

Accept the facts, friend; in this world of reals,

Ideals must give way. So look to Grace,—

Despite your protest, your true mate; and love

In maids like her is limitless when won.

You like her, too; now, now”—

LVII.

And so we talk’d.