I caught of her next landing, and on her hasty flight,
From lobby down to lobby I chased her like a hare,
I tracked her to the kitchen, but lo! she wasn't there!
I flew into the area, back up the stairs I flew,
In drawing-room and parlour, in every bedroom too,
To overtake and seize her, with skidding foot I sped,
And under every sofa, and under every bed,
I searched,—it was a marvel!—exploited every flue,
Unlocked a couple of wardrobes and looked them thro' and thro',
Until in all its horror, the grim conviction grew,