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by Unknown

I would pray that I might be, if it only could be so,

As happy and gay as I was a half-hour ago.

Jane (entering).

Why, John, what a litter here! you’ve thrown things all around!

Come, what’s the matter now? and what have you lost or found?

And here’s my father here, a waiting for supper, too;

I’ve been a riding with him—he’s that “handsomer man than you.”

Ha! ha! Pa, take a seat, while I put the kettle on,

And get things ready for tea, and kiss my dear old John.

Why, John, you look so strange! come, what has crossed your track?