Page:Poet Lore, volume 29, 1918.pdf/111

 Mistress.—Rather say bored. There is no society; isn’t that it?

Second Gentleman.—There is too much society.

Mistress (Laughing).—Too much? Do you mean to say I am superfluous here?

Second Gentleman.—I did not mean to say that.

Mistress.—Gracious! Do you know about what I was thinking?

Second Gentleman.—I do not.

Mistress.—And you will not ask?

Second Gentleman.—May I ask?

Mistress.—I was wondering whether the night would be clear.

Second Gentleman.—I, also, was thinking of that.

Mistress.—You see, our thoughts are alike. And what do you think about this night?

Second Gentleman.—I don’t know. The heavens are cloudy, but not enough so that the stars cannot come out.

Mistress.—Do you think, then, that they will shine?

Second Gentleman.—I hope so.

Mistress.—Why?

Second Gentleman.—It has a hidden meaning for me. You would laugh at it, but it has a meaning for me.

Mistress.—And wouldn’t you tell me what meaning?

Second Gentleman.—You would laugh at me—and how hard I would take it, if you mocked.

Mistress.—Don’t you like laughter?

Second Gentleman.—The laugh of a woman—yes, and sometimes I dislike it.

Mistress.—Then what do you like?

Second Gentleman.—I will tell that soon—as soon as the Istars come out.

Mistress.—And if they should not come out?

Second Gentleman.—Then, I never shall tell it.

Mistress.—The stars seem to mean a great deal to you?

Second Gentleman.—They denote good luck.

Mistress.—Are you sure?

Second Gentleman.—Yes.

Mistress.—What hinders your good luck?

Second Gentleman.—Little. Reality.

Mistress.—Reality is truly very little.