IV.

“‘ In New York!’ Yes, I met her this morning. I knew her in spite of her paint; And Guelph, too, poor fellow, was with her; I felt really nervous, and faint, When he bowed to me, looking so pleading — I cut him, of course. Would n't you? If I meet him alone, I'll explain it; But knowing her, what could I do? Poor fellow! He looks sadly altered — I think it a sin, and a shame, The way he was wrecked by that creature! I know he was never to blame. He never suspected. He liked her — He'd known her for most of his life — And of course, it was quite a temptation To run off with another man's wife. At his age, you know — barely thirty — So romantic, and makes such a noise In one's club — why, one can n't but excuse him, Now can one, dear? Boys will be boys. I've known him so long — why, he'd come here And talk to me just like a son. It's my duty — I feel as a mother — To save him; the thing can be done Very easily. First, I must show him How grossly the woman deceived And entrapped him.— It made such a scandal You know, that he can n't be received At all, any more, till he drops her — He'll certainly not be so mad As to hold to her still. Oh, I know him So well — I'm quite sure he'll be glad On any excuse, to oblige me In a matter so trifling indeed. Then the way will be clear. We'll receive him, And the rest will soon follow our lead. We must keep our eyes on him more closely Hereafter; young men of his wealth And position are so sorely tempted To waste time, and fortune, and health In frivolous pleasures and pastimes, That there's but one safe-guard in life For them and their money — we've seen it — A really nice girl for a wife. Too bad you've no daughter! My Mamie Had influence with him for good Before this affair — when he comes here She'll meet him, I'm sure, as she should — That is, as if nothing had happened — And greet him with sisterly joy; Between us I know we can save him. I'll write him to-morrow, poor boy.”