AT HOME 125
away to-morrow." Then seeing his look of blank consternation she hopped round him in glee, crooking a tiny forefinger at him and crying, "I only said it to take you in—I only said it to take you in."
H. H.'s affection for his little friend inspired some rather charming verses:
AN IDYLL OF EATON SQUARE.
I.
Come into the Square, Mane,
Come into the garden, do,
For sadly your ex-M.P.
Has gazed at the gate for you.
II.
For under a branching tree,
He sits on a hard green chair,
And turns for a small Marie,
Whenever two footsteps stir.
III.
Whenever a shrill young voice
Through railing and bush vibrates;
His look leaps up to rejoice
To watch where a blue skirt waits.
IV.
With mischievous eyes agleam,
And very brown hands outheld;
A laugh peels sharp as a scream
And peace from the day’s dispelled.
V.
You were missing this morning, Marie!
Alone on the lawn, at loss,
Your neighbour, from under a tree,
Hied homeward to thirty and three,
Disheartened and cross.
