In accents low he thus began: “O Gertrude, till to-night
True happiness I never knew, and may it ne’er take flight.
Say, may I tell my tale, and hope to gain a smile from thee?
Approving words to ease a heart that is no longer free?
I’m lonely now, for sister Maud is soon to be a bride;
Then wonder not because I seek a refuge at thy side.”
She murmured half inaudibly: “Dear Paul, I long to hear;
Thou’lt get a smile for ev’ry smile, a tear for ev’ry tear.”
“Enough, kind Gertrude, listen then: for years I’ve roamed afar;
I’ve sailed beneath the Southern Cross, I’ve lost the Northern Star;