He kissed her brow and went; they heard him strike a light,

And go with slow depressed step up the stairs,

Up to the door of her deserted bower;

They heard him up above them, moving chairs;

The memory of his paleness made them cower.

They did not know their son; they had no power

To help, they only saw the new-won bride

Defy their child, and faith and custom put aside.

* * * * *

After a time men learned where Mary was: