Page:Digger Smith (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/76

 I know that since 'e came back 'ere 'E 'asn't seen that girl for fear She'd turn 'im down—give 'im the bird. An' 'and 'im out the frozen word, Because 'e's left a leg in France; An' 'e's afraid to take a chance.

Well, not afraid, per'aps, but—shook. It's jist the form 'is nerves 'ave took. Now 'e's been watchin' Flo an' seen 'Er style, an' 'ow she's always keen For news uv Jim. Then 'e starts out To 'ope, an' 'esitate. an' doubt.

'E wonders if 'is own girl spoke Jist this same way about 'er bloke. 'E wonders if in 'is girl's eyes That same look came; an' then 'e sighs, An' dulls 'is senses with the dope That 'arf a man ain't got no 'ope.

'E makes me tired. But all the same. I tries to work a little game. "Look 'ere," I sez. "About this Flo. Jim mightn't come back 'ome, yeh know You 'ave a fly; yeh're sure to score; Besides, all's fair in love an' war."