A wish that she hardly dared to own,
For something better than she had known.
“Uncle Pete” rode slowly for her sake,
Showing his “Improved Riding Rake.”
He drew his bridle in the shade
Of the apple trees, to greet the maid.
And Maud forgot her briar-torn gown,
And her graceful ankles, bare and brown.
And merrily sparkled her hazel eyes
As “Uncle Pete” described his prize.