Page:Hallowe'en festivities (1903).djvu/182

178 With a mirror and a candle, Walking backward down the stair. So I tiptoed gently forward, Like a thief about to steal; Wondered would she take affright at What her mirror would reveal. Step by step she slow descended, Faltering—till, but one step more, And at last she found her footing On the creaky cellar floor. Laughing in the little mirror, Straight I looked her in the eyes; "I'm so glad," I heard her murmur, Not a least sign of surprise. And, without a glance behind her, Up the stair she straightway fled, Eager to rejoin the others In the kitchen overhead. So 'twas Hallowe'en that told me What I long had hoped to know, And that's why my heart clings closely To those days of long ago. For you boys here in the city Don't know half the fun we had Every Hallowe'en at husking, When your grandpa was a lad.

YAR, honey, take this littl' gif An' place it nigh yo' heart, 'Twill keep erway dat littl' rif What causes folks ter part.