Lighter my purse, as onward, pacing slow,

I turned from right to left in idle quest,

Till on me flashed, fair as the sunset glow,

Mrs. Cornwallis West.

Strangely my eyes their wonted functions changed;

I saw her once again, white-veiled, white-furred,

As oft by deft photographers arranged,

A photographic bird

Prest to her lips 'mid counterfeited snow.

Full soon the fancy ceased. I heard a cry