Page:Famous Single Poems (1924).djvu/210

 For this is a sort of engagement, you see, Which is binding on you but not binding on me.”

Well, having thus wooed Miss McFlimsey and gained her, With the silks, crinolines, and hoops that contained her; I had, as I thought, a contingent remainder At least in the property, and the best right To appear as its escort by day and by night; And it being the week of the Stuckups’ grand ball,—
 * Their cards had been out for a fortnight or so,
 * And set all the Avenue on the tiptoe,—

I considered it only my duty to call,
 * And see if Miss Flora intended to go.

I found her,—as ladies are apt to be found, When the time intervening between the first sound Of the bell and the visitor’s entry is shorter Than usual,—I found—I won’t say, I caught her,— Intent on the pier-glass, undoubtedly meaning To see if perhaps it didn’t need cleaning. She turned as I entered,—“Why, Harry, you sinner, I thought that you went to the Flashers’ to dinner!”