Down the hills came she to the town and sea,
And met her child's friend where he waited her.
She swayed to his words unsaid, as the green canes
Murmur i' the quiet unto a wind that comes:
"I sent for you, mind, for your sake alone.
—No, my dear ward is well. But it has chanced
(I know it's a hard thing for you to bear,
But you are strong, I know) that he has learnt
What I had faithfully kept,—your life, your past,
Your secret. Well, we hope that you repent,
At least, your son and I."
"God bless my son,
My little son hopes I repent at least."
"When he had read the papers—by mischance—
I would have kept them from him, broken down,
Beside myself at first, though the young heart
Recovered and is calm now, he resolved
On the completest parting; for he thinks
He could not live under one sky with you.
But being unwilling to disturb you now
And vex you in your harmless life, gives up
