Deep in an unused drawer; and quick tears fell
As in my hand I took it tenderly—
For ah! I knew the story it would tell
Of a familiar door, a ‘vanished hand,’
A cheery ‘click’ by eager children heard—
‘Papa is home!’—Ah, little loyal band!
How oft your hearts grew sick with hope deferred
In the time after! for ‘Papa’ went forth
And came not back. Then dawned some darksome days:
The cottage home was sold; and we came north