Xii

"Nay, then," she cried, "if that be all, I care not what thou hast to say; The guile that lurks therein is small-- My husband but retires to pray, At evening call."

"To pray? Oh yes, and on his knees May-hap to find a lovely being: Devotions so devout as these Are best at night, with no one seeing, Among the trees."

She blushed as deep as modesty, Then glancing back as bright as cride, "What woman can he find,' she cried, "In all the world, but me?"