itM LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ®^Hp* ©0pijn5|t !f a. Slielf_t.{3-3J^6> UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. l^ Jfei^^ &^T " WE TWO TOOK POSSESSION OF THE STAIRS." -Pag.' 8. Collcctio?i of " ^Masterpieces " GEORGE A. BAKER Selections from Point Lace and Diamonds With HHincrous original illustrations by MOORE SMITH rsr- - ■■■■ ti'}^yo--i^ NEW YORK FredericKvA. Stokes Company publishers VN-^ ^W r^ Copyy-ighted in 1875 /y i^. i>. Patterson Copyright, 1886, /'/ //7;/V6-, Stokes &f Alien CopyrigJit, 1894, by edericic A. Stokes Company Contents. Page An Idyl of the Period, ... 7 A Piece of Advice, ... 12 After the German, . . . .16 A Rosebud in Lent, ... 19 Fishing, 21 Frost-Bitten, 26 Christmas Greens, . . . .29 Chinese Lanterns, .... 35 Thoughts on the Command- ments 39 Old Photographs, .... 42 Marriage a la Mode. A Tril- ogy, 45 Easter Morning, . . . . 6.:i A Song, 69 A Legend of St. Valentine, . 72 Matinal Musings, . . . .77 The M(rrHERs ( Lake Mahmi'ac Auto-ua-Fe, Chi\'alkie, Per Aspera ad Astra Page JF THE Sirens, 84 —Saturday Nigh , . 88 94 SELECTIONS FROM '' Point Lace and Diamonds." AX IDYL OF THE PERIOD. /// Tii'o Parts. I' ART ONE. "Come right in. How are you, Fred ? Find a chair, and get a light.'' " Well, old man, recovered yet From the Mather's jam last night ? " " Didn't dance. The German's old," " Didn't you.'' I had to lead — Awful l)ore ! Did you go home.'' "' " No. Sat out with Molly Meade. 8 FROM '• POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." Jolly little girl she is — Said she didn't care to dance, 'D rather sit and talk to me — Then she gave me such a glance ! So, when you had cleared the room, And impounded all tlie chairs, Having nowhere else, we two Took possession of the stairs. I was on the lower step, Molly, on. the next above. Gave me her bouquet to hold, Asked me to undo her glove. Then, of course, I squeezed her hand, Talked about my wasted life; ' Ah ! if I could only win Some true woman for my wife. How I'd love her — work for her ! Hand in hand through life we'd walk — No one ever cared for me — ' Takes a girl — that kind of talk. Then, vou know, I used my eyes — She believed me, every word — AN IDVL OF THE I'EKIOD. 9 Said I ' mustn't talk so' — Jove ! Such a voice you never heard. Gave me some symbolic flower, — ' Had a meaning, oh, so sweet,' — Don't know where it is, I'm sure ; Must have dropped it in the street. How I spooned! — And she — ha! ha !— Well, I know it wasn't right — But she pitied me so much That I — kissed her — pass a light." PART TWO. " Molly Meade, well, I declare ! Who'd have thought of seeing you, After what occurred last night, Out here on the Avenue ! Oh, you awful ! awful girl ! There, don't blush, I saw it all." "Saw all what.!"' "Ahem! last night — At the Mather's — in the hall." lO FROM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. "Oh, you huriid — where were you ? Wasn't he the Ijiggest goose! Most men must be caught, but he Ran his own neck in the noose. I was almost dead to dance, I'd have done it if I could, Ikit old Grey said I must sto]3, And I promised Ma I would. So I looked up sweet, and said That I'd rather talk to him ; Hope he didn't see me laugh, Luckily the lights were dim. My, how he And the Christmas wreaths not nearly done. Two tiny boots crunch-crunch the snow. CHRISTMAS GKEENS They saucily stamp at the tiaii- sept door, And then up to the pillared aisle they go Pit-pat, click-clack, on the marble floor — A lady fair doth that pastor see. And he saith, " Oh, bother, it isn't she ! " A lady in seal-skin — eyes of blue, And tangled tresses of snow- flecked gold — She speaks, " Good gracious ! can this be you, Sitting alone in the dark and cold ? The rest all gone! Why it wasn't right ; These texts will never be done to- night." She sits her down at her pastor's feet. 32 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." And, wreathing evergreen, weaves her wiles, Heart-piercing glances bright and fleet, Soft little sighs, and shy little smiles ; But the pastor is solemnly sulky and glum, And thinketh it strange that " she " doesn't come. n Then she tells him earnestly, soft and low, How she'd do her part in this world of strife, And humbly look to him to know The ])ath that her feet should tread through life — Her jiastor yawneth behind his hat. And wondereth what she is driving at. Crunch-crunch again on the snow outside : CHRISTMAS GREEN'S. 33 The pastor riseth unto his feet, The vestry door is opened wide, A dark-eyed maid doth the pas- tor greet ; And that lady fair can see and hear Her pastor kiss her, and call her " dear." " Why, Maud ! " " Why, Nelly ! " those damsels cry ; But lo, what troubles that lady fair ? On Nelly's finger there meets her eye The glow of a diamond solitaire, And she thinks, as she sees the glit- tering ring, *' And so she's got him — the hateful thing ! " There sit they all 'neath the Christ- mas-tree, For Maud is determmed that she won't go ; 34 FROM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. ' The pastor is cross as a man can be, And Nelly would like to pinch her so ; And they go on wreathing the text again — It is " Peace on earth and good-will towards men." CHINESE LANTERNS. CHINESE LANTERNS. Through the windows on the park Float the waltzes, weirdly sweet; In the light, and in the dark, Rings the chime of dancing feet. Mid the branches, all a-row, Fiery jewels gleam and glow ; Dreamingly we walk beneath, — Ah, so slow ! All the air is full of love ; Misty shadows wrap us round ; Light below and dark above, Filled with softly-surging sound. See the forehead of the Night Garlanded with flowers of light, And her goblet crowned with wine. Golden bright. CHINESE LANTEKNS. Ah ! those deep, alluring eyes, Quiet as a haunted lake ; In their depths the passion lies Half in slumber, half awake. Lay thy warm, white hand in mine. Let the fingers clasp and twine, While my eager, panting heart Beats 'gainst thine. Bring thy velvet lijDS a-near, Mine are hungry for a kiss. Gladly will I sate them, dear ; Closer, closer, — this, — and this. On thy lips love's seal I lay, Nevermore to pass away ; — That was all last night, you know, But to-day Chinese lanterns hung in strings, Painted paper, penny dips, — Filled with roasted moths and things, Greasy with the tallow drips, 30 FROiM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. Wet and torn, with rusty wire, Blackened by the dying fire ; Withered flowers, trampled deep In the mire. Chinese lanterns, Bernstein's band, Belladonna, lily white, These made up the fairy-land Where I wandered all last night ; Ruled in all its rosy glow By a merry Queen, you know. Jolly, dancing, laughing, witching, Veuve Cliquot. THOl-GHTS ON THE COMMANDMENTS. THOUGHTS ON THE COM- MANDMENTS. " Love your neighbor as your- self,"— So the i^arson preaches ; That's one-half the Decalogue, — So the Prayer-book teaches. Half my duty I can do With but little labor, For with all my heart and soul I do love my neighbor. Mighty little credit, that. To my self-denial ; Not to love her, though, might be Something of a trial. Why, the rosy light, that ])eeps Through the glass above her, Lingers round her lips : — you see E'en the sunbeams love her. F* .^ \ 4 \ THOUGHTS ON THE CO.M.M ANDM H.\n>.. 41 So to make my merit more I'll go beyond the letter ; Love '.nv neighbor as myself? Yes, and ten times I>etter. For she's sweeter than the breath Of the Spring, that passes Through the fragrant, budding woods, O'er the meadow-grasses. And I've preached the word I know. For it was my duty To convert the stubborn heart Of the little beauty. Once again success has crowned Missionary labor, For her sweet eyes own that she Also loves her neighbor. 42 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. OLD PHOTOGRAPHS. Old lady, put your glasses on, With polished lenses, mounting golden, And once again look slowly through The album olden. w HOW THE OLD PORTRAITS TAKE YOU OLD I'HOTOGKAI'HS. 43 How the old portraits take you back To friends who once would 'round you gather — All scattered now, like frosted leaves In blustering weather. ^Vhy, who is this, the bright co- quette ? Her eyes with Love's bright ar- rows laden — *' Poor Nell, she's living single yet, — An ancient maiden." And this, the fragile poetess ? Whose high soul-yearnings nought can smother — *' She's stouter far than I am now, A kind grandmother." Who is this girl with flowing curls. Who on the golden future muses ? " What splendid hair she had ! — and now A ' front ' she uses." 44 FROM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. And this ? " Why, if it's not my own ; And did I really e'er resemble That bright young creature ? Take the book — My old hands tremble. " It seems that only yesterday We all were young; ah, how time passes ! " Old lady, put the album down. And wipe your glasses. MAKKIAGE A LA MODE. MARRIAGE A LA MODE. A Trilogy. I. love's young dream. — A.D. iSSo. "Thank you — much obliged, old boy, Yes, it's so ; report says true, I'm engaged to Nell Latine — What else could a fellow do ? Governor was getting fierce ; Asked me, with paternal frown, When I meant to go to work, Take a wife, and settle down. Stormed at my extravagance, Talked of cutting off supplies — Fairly bullied me, you know — Sort of thing that I despise. Well, you see, I lost worst way At the races — Governor raged — 46 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." So, to try and smooth him down, I went off, and got engaged. Sort of put-up job, you know — All arranged with old Latine — Nellie raved about it first, Said her ' pa was awful mean ! ' Now it's done we don't much mind — Tell the truth, I'm rather glad ; Looking at it every way, One must own it isn't bad. She's good-looking, rather rich, — Mother left her quite a pile ; Dances, goes out everywhere ; Fine old family, real good style. Then she's good, as girls go now, Some idea of wrong and right, Don't let every man she meets Kiss her, on the self-same night. We don't do affection much, Nell and I are real good friends, Call there often, sit and chat. Take her 'round, and there it ends. IMAKRIAGE A LA MODE. 47 Spooning ! Well, I tried it once — Acted like an awful calf — Said I really loved her. Gad ! You should just have heard her laugh. Why, she ran nie for a month. Teased me till she made me wince; ' Mustn't flirt with her,' she said, So I haven't tried it since. 'Twould be pleasant to be loved Like you read about in books — Mingling souls, and tender eyes — Love, and that, in all their looks ; Thoughts of you, and no one else ; Voice that has a tender ring, Sacrifices made, and — well — You know — all that sort of thing. That's all worn-out talk, they say, Don't see any of it now — Spooning on yonx Jzanced Isn't good style, anyhow. Just suppose that one of us, — Nell and me, you know — some dav 40 FROM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. Got like that on some one else — Might be rather awkward — eh ! All in earnest, like the books — Wouldn't it be awful rough ! Jove ! if I — but pshaw, what bosh ! Nell and I are safe enough. — Some time in the Spring, I think; Be on hand to wish us joy ? Be a groomsman, if you like — Lots of wine — good-bye, old boy." II. UP THE AISLE. — A. D. 1881. " Take my cloak — and now fix my veil, Jenny, — How silly to cover one's face ! I might as well be an old woman. But then there's one comfort — it's lace. Well, what has become of those ushers ? — Oh, Pa, have you got my bou- quet ? MARRIAGE A LA MODI I'll freeze standing here in the lobby, Why doesn't the organist play '' They've started at last — what a bus- tle ! Stop, Pa ! — they're not far enough — wait ! One minute more — now! Do keep step, Pa ! There, drop my trail, Jane ! — is it straight ? I hope I look timid, and shrink- ing! The church must be perfectly full— Good gracious, please don't walk so fast, Pa ! He don't seem to think that trains pull. The chancel at last — mind the step, Pa!— I don't feel embarrassed at all — But, my! What's the minister say- 50 FROM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. Oh, I know, that part 'bout Saint Paul. I hope my position is graceful — How awkwardly Nelly Dane stood! ' Not lawfully be joined together, Now speak ' — as if any one would. Oh, dear, now it's my turn to answer — I do wish that Pa would stand still. ' Serve him, love, honor, and keep him ' How sweetly he says it — I will. Where's Pa ? — there, I knew he'd forget it When the time came to give me away — ' I, Helena, take thee — love — cher- ish — And ' — well, I can't help it, — ' obey.' Here, Maud, take my bouquet — don't drop it — HELENA, TAKE THEE — LOVE — CHER- ISH — and' — WELL, I can't HELP IT, — 'obey.' " 52 FROM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. I hope Charley's not lost the ring ! Just like liim ! — no — goodness, how heavy ! It's really an elegant thing. It's a shame to kneel down in white satin — And the flounce real old lace — but I must — I hope that they've got a clean cushion, They're usually covered with dust. All over — ah, thanks! — now, don't fuss. Pa !— Just throw back my veil, Charley — there ! Oh, bother! Why couldn't he kiss me Without mussing up all my hair ! Your arm, Charley, there goes the organ — Who'd think there would be such a crowd ! MARKIAGE A LA MODE. 53 Oh, I mustn't look round, I'd for- gotten, — See, Charley, who was it that bowed ? Why— it's Nellie Allaire, with her husband — She's awfully jealous, I know ; Most all of my things were im- ported, And she had a home-made trous- seau. And there's Annie Wheeler — Kate Hermon — I didn't expect her at all — If she's not in that same old blue satin She wore at the Charity Ball ! Is that Fanny Wade ? — Edith Pom- meton — And Emma, and Jo — all the girls ! I knew they'd not miss my wed- ding— I hope they'll all notice my pearls. 54 FROM " I'OINl' ^ACE AND DIAMONDS." Is the carriage there ? — give me my cloak, Jane, Don't get it all over my veil — No ! you take the other seat, Charley — I need all of this for my trail." III. DIVORCE. — A. D. lSS6. The Cbib Windcnv. *' Yes, I saw her pass with ' that scoundrel ' — For heaven's sake, old man, keep cool ! No end of the fellows are watch- ing— Go easy, don't act like a fool ! * Parading jjw/r shame!' — I don't see it. It's Juts now, alone ; for at last You drove her to give you good reason. MARRIAGE A LA MODE. 55 Divorced her, and so it's all passed. ¥or yoti, I mean; she has to bear it — Poor child — the reproach and the shame ; I'm your friend — but come, hang it, old fellow, I swear you were somewhat to blame. * What the deuce do I mean ? ' Well, I'll tell you, Though it's none of my business. Here ! Just light a cigar, and keep quiet — You started wrong, Charley Leclear. y^ow weren't in love when you married — ' Nor she ! ' — well, I know, but she tried To keep it dark. You wouldn't let her. But laughed at her for it. Her pride 56 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONLS." Wouldn't stand that, you know. Did you ever See a spirited girl in your life, Who would patiently pose to be pitied As a ' patient Griselda'-like wife When her husband neglects her so plainly As you did? — although, on the whole, When the wife is the culprit, I've noticed It's rather the favorite role. So she flirted a little — in public — She'd chances enough and to spare, Ah, then if you'd only turned jeal- ous — But you didn't notice nor care. Then her sickness came — even we fellows All thought you behaved like a scrub. MARRIAGE A LA MODE. 57 Leaving her for the nurse to take care of, While you spent your time at the club. She never forgave you. How could she .'' If I'd been in her place myself, By Jove, I'd have left you. She didn't, But told all her woes to Jack Quel ph. When a girl's lost all love for her husband, And is cursed with a masculine friend To confide in, and he is a black- guard, She isn't far off from the end. Oh, I'm through — of course nobody blamed you In the end, when you got your divorce — You were right enough there — she'd levanted 58 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." With Guelph, and you'd no other course. What I mean is, if you'd acted squarely, The row would have never occurred, And for jw/ to be doing the tragic Strikes me as a little absurd. As it stands, you've the best of the bargain, And she's got a good deal the worst ; Leave it there, and — just touch the bell, will you? You're nearest. I'm dying of thirst." IV. AT AFTERNOON TEA. " * In New York ! ' Yes, I met her this morning. I knew her in spite of her paint; MAKKIAGE A LA MODE. 59 And Guelph, too, poor fellow, was with her ; I felt really nervous, and faint, When he bowed to me, looking so pleading — I cut him, of course. Wouldn't you ? If I meet him alone, I'll explain it ; But knowing her, what could I do? Poor fellow ! He looks sadly altered — I thmk it a sin, and a shame. The way he was wrecked by that creature ! I kiunu he was never to blame. He never suspected. He liked her — He'd known her for most of his life— And, of course, it zuas quite a temptation To run off with another man's wife. 6o FROM "point lace AND DIAMONDS." At his age, you know — barely thirty — So romantic, and makes such a noise In one's club — why, one ca)i't but excuse him, Now can one, dear ? Boys will be boys. I've known him so long — why, he'd come here And talk to me just like a son. It's my duty — I feel as a mother — To save him ; the thing can be done Very easily. First, I must show him How grossly the woman deceived And entrapped him. — It made such a scandal You know, that he caji't be re- ceived At all, any more, till he drops her — He'll certainly not be so mad As to hold to her still. Oh, I know him MARKIAGE A LA MODE. 6l So well — I'm quite sure he'll be glad, On any excuse, to oblige me In a matter so trifling indeed. Then the way will be clear. We II receive him, And the rest will soon follow our lead. We must keep our eyes on him more closely Hereafter ; young men of his wealth And position are so sorely tempted To waste time, and fortune, and health In frivolous pleasures and pastimes, That there's but one safeguard m life For them and their money — we've seen it — A really nice girl for a wife. Too bad you've no daughter ! My Mamie Had influence with him for good 62 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." Before this affair — when he comes here She'll meet him, I'm sure, as she should — That is, as if nothing had hap- pened — And greet him with sisterly joy ; Between us I know we can save him. I'll write him to-morrow, poor boy." EASTEK MORNING. 63 EASTER MORNING. Too early, of course ! How pro- voking ! T told Ma just how it would be. I might as well have on a wrapper, For there isn't a soul here to see. There ! Sue Delaplaine's pew is empty, — I declare if it isn't too bad ! I know my suit cost more than hers did. And I wanted to see her look mad. I do think that sexton's too stupid — He's put some one else in our pew — And the girl's dress just kills mine completely ; Now what am I going to do ? €4 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." The jDsalter, and Sue isn't here yet ! I don't care, I think it's a sin For people to get late to service, Just to make a great show com- ing in. Perhaps she is sick, and can't get here — She said she'd a headache last nic;ht. EASTKK AlOKNINc;. 65 How mad she'll be after her fussing! 1 declare, it would serve her just right. Oh, you've got here at last, my dear, have you ? Well, 1 don't think you need be so proud Of thai bjiinet, if Virot did make it ; It's horrid fast-lookini;' and hnid. What a dress ! — for a girl in her senses To go on ths street in light blue! — And those coat-sleeves — they wore them last Summer — Don't doubt, though, that sh 3 thinks they're new. Mrs. Gray's polonaise was im- ported — So dreadful ! — a minister's wife, And thinking so much about fash- ion ! — A pretty exam^jle of life ! 66 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." The altar's dressed sweetly. I woiuler Who sent those while flowers for the font ! — Some girl who's gone on the assist- ant — Don't donbt it was Itessie La- niont. Jnst look at her now, little hum- bug ! — So devout — I suppose she don't know That she's bending her head too far over, And the ends of her switches all sliow. What a sight Mrs. Ward is this morning ! That woman will kill me some day, With her horrible lilacs and crim- sons ; Why will these old things dress so gay .'' EASIKK MOKNING. 6/ And there's Jenny Welles witU Fred Tracy — She's engaged to him now — hor- rid thing! Dear nie ! I'd keep on my glove sometimes, If I did have a solitaire ring ! How can this girl next to me act so — The wav that she turns round and stares, And then makes lemarks about people ; She'd better be saying her pray- ers. Oh, dear, what a dreadful long sermon ! He must love to hear himself talk ! And it's after twelve now, — how ])rovoking ! I wanted to have a nice walk. Through at last ! Well, it isn't so dreadful 63 FROM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. After all, for we don't dine till one ; How can people say church is poky ! — So wicked ! — I think it's real fun. 69 A SONG. Spring-time is coining again, my dear; Sunshine and violets blue, you know ; Crocuses lifting their sleepy heads Out of their sheets of snow. And I know a blossom sweeter by far Than violets blue, or crocuses are. And bright as the sunbeam's glow. But how can I dare to look in her eyes, Colored with heaven's own hue ? That wouldn't do at all, my dear, It really wouldn't do. Her hair is a rippling, tossing sea ; In its golden depths the fairies play, yo FROM rOINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. Becki^niiig, dancing, mocking there, Luring mv lieart awav. And her nierrv lips are the ripest red ' AND I KNOW A BLOSSOM SWEETEK BY FAR THAN VIOLETS BLCE, OK CROCUSES ARE." That ever addled a poor man's head, Or led his wits astray. What wouldn't I give to taste the sweets Of those rose-leaves wet with dew ! But that woukhrt do at all, my clear, It really wouldn't do. Her voice is gentle, and clear and pure ; It rings like the chime of a silve;- bell, And the thought it wakes in my foolish head I'm really afraid to tell. Her little feet kiss the ground below, And her hand is white as the whitest snow That e'er from heaven fell. But I wouldn't dare to take that hand, Reward for my love to sue ; That wouldn't do at all, my dear, It really wouldn't do 72 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. A LEGEND OF ST. VALEN- TINE. Come ! Why, halloa, that you, Jack ? How's the world been usiiig you ? Want your pipe .'' it's in the jar — Think I might be looking blue. ALaud's been breaking off with me; Fact — see here — Fvegot the ring. That's the note she sent it in ; Read it — soothing sort of thing. Jack, you know I write sometimes — Must have read some things of mine. Well, I thought Vd just send Maud Something for a valentine. So I ground some verses out In the softest kind of style, Full of love, and that, you know — Bothered me an awful while; A LEGEND OF SI". VALENTINE. 73 Quite a Iieavy piece of work. So when I had got them done — Why I thought them much too good Just to waste that way on one. Jack, I told you, didn't I, All about that black-eyed girl Up in Stratford— last July— Oh ! you know ; you saw her curl ? Well, old fellow, she's the one That this row is all about, For I sent her — who'd have thought Maud would ever find it out — Those same verses, word for word — Hang it, man ! you needn't roar — 'Splendid joke!" well, so I thought — No, don't think so any more. Yesterday, you know it rained, I'd been up late — at a ball — Didn't know what else to do — Went up and made Maud a call. Found some other girl there, too. They were playing a duet. " Fred, my cousin, Nelly Deane," — SPLENDID JOKE ! WELL, SO I THOUGHT- NO, DON't THINK SO ANY MOKE." A I.liGExND OF ST. VALENTIN K. 75 ^'cs, Jack, there was my brunette ; You should just have seen me, Jack- Now, old fellow, please don't laugh, T feel bad about it — fact — And I really can't stand chaff. Well, I tried to talk to Maud; There w-as Nell, though, sitting bv ; Every now and then she'd laugh, Sure I can't imagine why. ]VIaud would read that beastly poem, Nell's eyes said in just one glance, *' Won't I make you pay for this, If I ever get the chance ! " Some one came and rang the bell — Just a note for Nell, bv post. Jack, I saw mv monogiam — I'd have rather seen a ghost. Yes — her verses — T suppose That her folks had sent them down — Couldii't get up there, vou know — 76 FROM '• POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." Till she'd left and come to town N' elly looked them quickly through- Laughed — by Jove, I thought she'd choke ! " Maud — he'll kill me — dear ! oh, dear ! — Read that ; isn't it a joke ? " Maud glanced tlirough them — sank right down On the sofa — hid her face — " Crying ! " — not much — laughing, Jack— Don't think she's a hopeless case. I just grabbed my hat and left — Only wish I'd gone before. How they laughed ! — I heard them, Jack- Till I got outside the door. There, confession's done me good, I can never win her back. So I'll calmly let her slide — Pass the ash-cup, will you, Jack .'' MATIN AL MUSINGS MATINAL MUSINGS. Ten o'clock ! Well, I'm sure I can't help it ! I'm up — go away from the door ! Now, children, I'll speak to your mother If you pound there like that any more. How tired I do feel ! — Where's that cushion ? — I don't want to move from this chair ; I wish Marie'd make her appearance ; I really caiit do n.iy own hair. I wish I'd not danced quite so often — I knew I'd feel tired ! but it's hard To refuse a mae;nificent dancer 78 FROM •' I'OINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." If you have a place left on your card I was silly to wear that green satin, It's a shame that I've spotted it so — All down the front breadth — it's just ruined — No trimming will hide that, I know. That's me ! Have a costume im- ported, Antl spoil it the very first night ! — I might make an overskirt of it, That shade looks so lovely with white. How horrid my eyes look ! Good gracious ! I hope that I didn't catch cold Sitting out on the stairs with Will Stacy ; If Ma knew that, wouldn't she scold ! MA-IINAI. MISINGS. 79. She savs he's so fast — well, who isn't?— Dear! where is Marie?— how it rains ! — I don't care ; he's real nice and handsome, And his talk sounds as if he'd some brains. I do wonder what /s the reason, That good men are all like Joe Price, So pokv, and stiff, and conceited, And fast ones are always so nice. Just see how Joe acted last even- ing ! He didn't come near me at all, I'.ecause I danced twice with Will Stacy That night at the Charity Ball. I didn't care two pins to do it; But Joe said I mustn't, — and so — 8o FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." I just did — he isn't my master, Nor slian't be, I'd like him to know. I don't think he looked at me even, Though just to please him I wore green, — And I'd saved him three elegant dances, — / wouldn't have acted so mean. The way he went on with Nell Had- ley ; Dear me ! just as if I would care ! I'd like to see those two get mar- ried. They'd make a congenial pair! I'm getting disgusted with par- ties ; — I think I shall stop going out ; What's the use of this fussing for people I don't care the least bit about. "he bell ! — who can that be, wonder! " 82 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." I did think that Joe had some sense once ; ISut, my, he's just like all the men ! And the way that I've gone on about him, Just see if I do it again ! Only wait till the next time I see him, I'll pay him back; won't I be cool ! I've a good mind to drop him com- pletely— I'll — yes I will — go back to school. The bell ! — who can that be, I won- der !— Let's see — I declare ! why, it's Joe !— How long they are keeping him waiting ! Good gracious! why don't the girl go! iMMINAL MlSliNGS. B3 A'es — say I'll l)e clown in a minute — Quick, Marie, and do up my Not that bow — the green one — Joe likes it — How slow you are ! — I'll pin it — there ! 84 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS.' THE MOTHERS OF THE SI- RENS. The debutantes are in force to- night, Sweet as their roses, pure as truth ; Dreams of beauty in clouds of tulle ; ]51ushing, fair in their guileless youth. Flashing bright glances carelessly — Carelessly, think you ! Wait and see How their sweetest smile is kept for him Whom "mother" considers a good parti. For the matrons watch and guard them well — Little for vouth or love care thev ; THE MOTHERS OF THE SIRENS. 85 The man they seek is the man with gold, Though his heart be black, and his hair be gray. " Nellie, how coii/d you treat /liin so ! You know very well he is Gokl- more's heir." 86 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS.'" "Jennie, look modest! Glance clown and blush, — Here comes Papa with young Millionaire." On a cold, gray rock, in Grecian seas, The sirens sit, and their glamour try— \Yarni white bosoms press harps of gold, The while Ulysses' shij:) sails Dv. Fair are the forms the sailors see, Sweet are the songs the sailors hear And — cool and wary, shrewd and old. The sirens' mothers are watching near, Whis]iering counsel — " Fling back your hair, It hides your shoulder." " Don't sins; so fast ! " THE MOTHI 37 " Daiiinu;, don't look at that fair young man, Try that old fellow there by the mast, His arms are jewelled " — let it go ! Too bitter all this for an idle rhyme ; But sirens are kin of the gods, be sure, And change but little with lapse of lime. FROM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. LAKE MA HOPAC— SATUR- DAY NIGHT. " Yes, I'm here, I suppose you're delighted : You'd heard I was not coming down ! Why, I've been here a week ! — ' rather early ' — I know, but it's horrid in town. A Boston ? Most certainly, thank you. This music is perfectly sweet; Of course I like dancing in Summer ; It's warm, but I don't mind the heat. The clumsy thing! Oh! how he hurt me ! I really can't dance any more — LAKE MAHOPAC — SATUKDAY NIGHT. 89 Let's walk — see, they're forming a Lancers ; These square dances are such a bore. My cloak — oh ! I really don't need it — Well, carry it, — so, in the folds — I hate it, but Ma made nie bring it ; She's frightened to death about colds. This /s rather cooler than dancing. They're lovely piazzas up here; Those lanterns look sweet in the l)ushes, It's lucky the night is so clear. I af/i rather tired — in this corner .'' — Very well, if you like — I don't care — But you'll have to sit on the railing — You see there is only one chair. go FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." * So long since you've seen me ' — oh, ages !— Let's see, why it's ten days ago — * Seems years ' — oh ! of course — don't look spooney, It isn't becoming, you know. How bright the stars seem to-night, don't thev ? What was it you said about eyes? How sweet ! — why you must be a poet — One never can tell till he tries. Why can't you be sensible, Harry ! I don't like men's arms on my chair. Be still ! if you don't stop this non- sense I'll get up and leave you ; — so there ! Oh ! please don't — I don't want to hear it — LAKE MAHOl'AC — SATLKUAY NIGHT. 9I A boy like you talking of love. *My answer !' — Well, sir, you shall have it — Just wait till I get off my glove. See that .'' — Well, you needn't look tragic, It's only a solitaire ring, — Of course I am 'proud of it' — very — It's rather an elegant thing. Engaged! — yes — why, didn't you know it ? I tliought the news must have reached here — Why, tlie wedding w'ill be in Octo- ber — The ' happy man ' — Charley Le- clear. Now don't blame me — I tried to stop yon — But you 7iHniId go on like a goose ; 92 FROM POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. I'm sorry it happened — forget it — Don't think of it — don't — what's the use ? There's somebody coming — don't look so — Get up on the railing again — Cau^t you seem as if nothing had happened ? I never saw such geese as men ! Ah, Charley, you've found me ! A galop ? The ' Bahn frei ? ' Yes ; take my bouquet — And my fan, if you will — now I'm ready — You'll excuse me, of course, Mr. Gray." " AH, CHARLEY, YOU'VE FOUND MI GALOP? THE ' BAHN FREI ? ' YE TAKE MY BOUQUET." 94 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS. AUTO-UA-FE. (he explains.) Oh, just burning up some old papers^ They do make a good deal o£ smoke : That's right, Dolly, open the win- dow; They'll blaze if you give them a poke. I've got a lot more in the closet ; Just look at the dust ! What a mess ! Why, read it, of course, if you want to, It's only a letter, I guess. (she reads.) Just me, and my pipe, and the fire- light. AUTO-DA-I'^. Q5 Whose mvsticiil circles of reel Protect me alone with the shadows; The smoke-wreaths engailand my head ; And the strains of a waltz, half for- gotten, The favorite waltz of the year, Played softly by fairy musicians, Chime sweetly and low on my ear. The smoke-cloud floats thickly around me, All perfumed and white, till it seems A bride-veil magicians have woven To honor the bride of my dreams. Float on, dreamy waltz, through my • fancies. My thoughts in your harmony twine ! Draw near, phantom face, in your beauty, Look deep, phantom eyes, into mine. 96 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." Sweet lips — crimson buds half un- folded— Give breath to the exquisite voice, That, waking the strands of my being To melody, bids me rejoice. Dream, soul, till the world's dream is ended ! Dieam, heart, of your beautiful past ! For dreaming is better than weeping, And all things but dreams at the last Change rules in the world of the waking — Its laughter aye ends in a sigh ; Dreams only are changeless — im- mortal : A love-dream alone cannot die. Toil, fools!'-. Sow your hopes in the furrows. Rich harvest of failiire you'll reap ; AUTO-DA-FK. Life's riddle is read the most truly By men who but talk in their sleep. (he remonstrates.) There, stop ! That'll do — yes, I own it — But, dear, I was young then, you know. I wrote that before we were mar- ried ; Let's see — why, it's ten years ago! You remember that night, at Drake's party. When you flirted with Dick all the time .'' I left in a state quite pathetic. And went home to scribble that rhyme. What a boy I was then with my dreaming. And readintr the riddle of life ! ^ lUT, DEAR, I WAS YOUNG THEN, YOU KNOW. I WROTE THAT BEFORE WE WERE MARRIED." AlTO-UA-1-E 99- You gave a good guess at its mean- ing The night you said " Yes," little wife. One kiss for old times' sake, my Dollv— That didn't seem much like a dream. Holloa ! something's wrong with the children ! Those young ones do nothing but scream. too FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." CHIVALRIE. Under the maple boughs we sat, Annie Leslie and I together; She was trimming her sea-side hat With leaves — we talked about the weather. The sunbeams lit her gleaming hair With rippling waves of golden glory, And e}-es of blue, and ringlets fair, Suggested many an ancient story Of fairdiaired, blue-eyed maids of old, In durance held by grim ma- gicians, Of knights in armor rough with gold, Who rescued them from sucli po- sitions. CHIVALRIE. 1 HER FAIHKR S VOICE CAME THROUGH THE WOOD, he'd made a fortune TANNING leather."' Above, the heavens aglow with light, Beneath our feet the sleeping ocean, E'en as the sky my hope was bright. Deep as the sea was my devotion. Her father's voice came through the wood, He'd made a fortune tanning leather ; I was his clerk; I thought it good To keep on talking about the weather. I02 FROM ■ POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." PER ASPERA AD ASTRA. A CAXVAS-BACK duck, ravelv roasted, between us, A bottle of Chanibertin, worthy of praise — Less noble a wine at our age would beniean us — A salad of celery oi m n'o/ntaise, With the oysters we've eaten, fresh, plump, and delicious, Naught left of them now but a dream and the shells ; No better j<:w/d'r e'en Lucullus could wish us — AVhv, even our waiter regards us as swells. Your dress is a marvel, your jewels show finelv, Your friends in the circle all envied vour box ; WITHOUT WAITS OUR FOOTMAN TO CALL FOR OUR CARRIAGE— GAD HOW HE .MUST HATE US. OUT THERE Ix\ THE COLD." I04 FROM " POINT LACE AND DIAMONDS." You say Lilli Lehman sang quite too divinely — I know I can't lose on that last deal in stocks. Without waits our footman to call for our carriage — Gad, how he must hate us, out there in the cold ! — We rode in a hack on the day of our marriage. Number two forty-six — I was roll- ing in gold, For I'd quite fifty dollars ; and don't you remember We drove down to Taylor's — a long cherished dream ; How grandly I ordered — just think, in December ! — Some cake, and two plates of vanilla icecream. And how we enjoved it ! Your glance was the proudest PEU ASl'EKA AD ASIKA. I05 Among the proud beauties, your face the most fair ; I'm ratlier afraid, too, your laugh was the loudest ; I know we shocked every one — we didn't care. Now we'd care a great deal — with two sons at college, And daughters just out, whose sneers make you wince ; We've tasted the fruit of Society's knowledge — I don't think we've quite enjoyed anything since. All through, dear .'' Now, doiPt wipe your mouth \\ith the doily ! They're really not careful at all with their wine ; It wasn't half warmed — the salad was oily — And I don't think the duck was remarkably fine. COLLECTION OF MASTER- PIECES. This Collection of certain of the most successful and best-loved works by vari- ous authors has been entered upon by its publishers with the intention cf making it as exquisite and perfect in form as possible. Each volume contains a large number of original illustrations by well- known artists, made especially for the Collection, and printed with the utmost care. The typographical details are some- vhat in the best modern French style, and the paper is of the highest grade, and has been manufactured especially for this Collection, which is issued in a variety of beautiful bindings, to corre- spond with the dainty interiors of the books. The following volumes are ready, each of which can be had in either of the bindings described: Masterpieces of Prose and Verse. " Selections from Point Lace and Dia- monds." Baker. Illustrated by C. Moore-Sinitk. "A Child's Dream of a Star." Dick- ens. Ill list rated by Elizabeth S. Tucker. " The Day Dream." Tennyson. Illus- trated by IV. St. John Harper. "Evangeline." Longfellow. Illus- trated by Charles Hozuard Johnson. " Thanatopsis." Bryant. Illustrated by Cor-Min Knapp Llnson. "Songs of Sex'en." Ingelow. Illus- trated by Kirk Este. "Violet" bindins:, with backs of can- vas, richly ornamented in gold, and with outer sides illuminated with design of purple violets, with gold background. Gilt top. In a box. Per volume, .... 75 cents. Full dull brown cloth, or full white cloth, with artistic ornamentation in gold. Gilt top. In a box. Per volume, .... 75 cents. Half calf. Gilt top. In a box. Per volume, .... $1.50. Limp calf. Red-under-gold edges. In a box. Per volume, .... $2.00. Other volumes in preparation. Specimen Pages, 'The Day Dream. Tennyson. Collectioii of '■ J]lnsfe7-/>ieces." ' ; <•?. li THE DA Y - 15 K E A M *0 eyes long- laid in happy sleep I ' ' O happy sleep, that lightly fled!' AND O ER THEM MANY A FLOWING RAN'GE OF VAPOR BUOY'd THE CRESCENT-BARK." ' O happy kiss, that woke thy sleep ! ' ' O love, thy kiss would wake the dead ! ' Specimen Pages, "ACliild's Dream of a Star." Dickens. Collection of " MasterpiecesT specks play- ing at hide- and-seek in the sky all night, must surely be the children of the stars ; and they would all be grieved to see their playmates, the children of men, no more." There was one clear, shining star that used to come out in the sky before the rest, near the church spire, above the graves. r ^4 - / 1%. Specimen Pages, Tlianatopsis/' Bry- ant. Collection of " Masterpieces.'"' ^ Nor in the embrace of ocean, shall exist Thy image. Earth, that nour- ished thee, shall claim Thy growth, to be resolved to earth a^ain, ■^ ■THE SLUGGISH CLOD, WHICH THE KUDE SWATN TURNS WITH HIS SHAKE, AND TREADS fPON." \ ■ - ■ 1 ■ 4 f V .1 ^ \ ^. i Specimen Pages, Evangeline/' Long- felloAV. Collection of " Masterpieces ' PATIENCE ! THE PKIEST WOULD SAY. 34 EVANGELINE. Silenced, but not convinced, when the story was ended, the blacksmith Stood like a man who fain would speak, but tindeth no languag-e ; And all his thoughts congealed into lines on his face, as the vapors Freeze in fantastic shapes on the win- dow-panes in the winter. Then Evangeline lighted the brazen lamp on the table, " WROTE WITH A STEADY HAND. Specimen Pages, ''Songs of Seven/' In- oelow. CollectioJi of " Masterpiecesy t BUT I LL LOVE HIM J\1(1RE, MORE THAN E ER WIFE LOVEn BEFORE, BE THE DAYS DARK OK BRIGHT." S O N C; S O [•• SEVEN. IV. A song of a nest : — There was once a nest in a hollow-: / '^ k ■^ 'A '"_ : ^ -^ c t/ . ^ I PRAY YOU HEAR yW SCIXG OF A NEST, FOR IT IS NOr LONG." Down in the mosses and knot- grass pressed, Soft and warm, and full to the brim — t Q ■^ f :f IIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 785 388