“Of your questions, bold youth,” Lady Florence replied,

“I hoped I had heard quite the last;

I thought of my figure whatever I did,

And my corsets must vouch for the past!”

“But the truth, Lady Florence,” the young man cried,

“Credulity’s passing away;

You are cheerful, while Leaguers are bent on your death—

Oh, tell me the secret, I pray!”

“I am cheerful, young man,” Lady Florence replied,

“For my case doth both houses engage;