And, like doves in a dove-cote, the customers met,
In a plumage of silks and of muslins arrayed.
"This is sweet!" said Amanda. "Delightful!" said Jane.
While the rest in a chorus of "Charming!" combined.
And, declaring they cared not if dishes were plain,
So the men remained absent, they solemnly dined.
And they toyed with their entrées, and sipped their Clicquot,
And their smiles were as sweet as the wine that they drank.
But at last came a whisper—"Oh dear, this is slow!"
"Hush, hush!" said the others. "How dreadfully frank!