Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/309

Rh Nay, I caught the trick Of his fair face in some half-dozen sittings. His is a bold and shapely head—it pleased me. I like the lad ; the work upon his portrait Was pastime t is already nigh complete.

And has Maria sat here while you worked?

Why not? What would st thou say? Speak, fret me not With ticklish fears. Is she not by my side, For work or rest ?

Surely, I meant no harm. Father, how quick you are ! I had but asked If she, being here, had seen the work progress, And found it his true counterpart.

Annicca, There is something in your thought you hold from me. Have the lewd, prying eyes, the slanderous mind Of public envy, spied herein some mischief ? What hast thou heard ? By heaven, if one foul word