"And something like this for an answer:
"Blue No. 2 (fastening his own badge on his lady's gown):
"Of all the merry throng to-night,
With colors rich and rare bedight,
Believe me, none will prove more true
Than he who wears this bonny blue."
"Bravo, Beth!" cried the others.
"Verily I believe it's catching," exclaimed Helen. "I too have an idea. Quick, give me a pencil!" And straightway all three fell to scribbling, each taking a different color for her subject.
And when they had made an end of cudgelling their brains, the following rhymes were ready to be copied:
Red, No. 1—
Red as my own is the badge I seek,
And red as a rose is the wearer's cheek.
Why art thou thrilling, heart of mine?
Ah, if I knew they were both for me,
The badge and the blush, on bended knee
I would sue for the love of my Valentine.
No. 2.—
This ruddy bow for thee I bind.
Be true, and thou wilt ever find
Warm is the heart that wears the red;
No scorn nor coldness needst thou dread.