Clorinda

A Fable for Heiresses

Above the plate-glass window-pane, Inviting every passing gaze, Hung an inscription, large and plain, “THE HUSBAND SHOP.” This, in amaze, Clorinda seeing, stopped wide-eyed, And stared, then turned and stepped inside.

A floor-walker whose faultlessness And condescending air proclaimed One of the table d’haute noblesse, Approached Clorinda and exclaimed, With graceful undulating palm: “Something in husbands? Oui, Madame.”

“We have the latest thing of all In husbands; kindly step this way. We’re using them on hats this fall, In place of plume or floral spray, The creature being pinned or tied With chiffon bows on either side.”

He leads the way, all wreathed in smiles, And wonderful in spotless spats That flitter like twin butterflies Along an avenue of hats, Each one displaying on its brim A husband--fashion’s latest whim.

Clorinda tries them each in turn Before the glass; some are too small, And some too cold, and some too stern, And some are slightly soiled, and all, When punctured by the hat-pin’s steel, Betray by squirms how bored they feel.

At last Clorinda came to one Marked “Dibbs,” that scarce seemed worth her while; But when she tried it on for fun, It met the hat-pin with a smile, As if to say, “Oh, beauteous miss, Even a stab from you is bliss!”

“The very thing! but thrown away Upon a hat!” Clorinda cried. “’Twould make a sweet corsage bouquet.” The shoppers stared electrified, To see Clorinda Dibbs depart Wearing a husband next her heart.