And set all the Avenue on the tiptoe—

I considered it only my duty to call

And see if Miss Flora intended to go.

I found her—as ladies are apt to be found

When the time intervening between the first sound

Of the bell and the visitor’s entry is shorter

Than usual—I found—I won’t say I caught—her

Intent on the pier-glass, undoubtedly meaning

To see if perhaps it didn’t need cleaning.

She turned as I entered. “Why, Harry, you sinner,