As PROLOGUE SSUME that we are friends. Assume Then dream us sit A common taste for old costume,— Old pictures,-books. ting Us two-in some soft-lighted room. Outside, the wind;-the "ways are mire." We, with our faces toward the fire, Finished the feast not full but fitting, Watch the light-leaping flames aspire. Silent at first, in time we glow; Anon we glide to "crocks" and plates, Grow eloquent on glaze and classing, And half-pathetic over "states" Then I produce my Prize, in truth ;- And rare as Love. You pause, you wonder (Pretend to doubt the marks, forsooth!) And so we fall to why and how Thus grew the "Scenes" that follow now. THE BALLAD À-LA-MODE • Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre.” SCENE. A Boudoir Louis-Quinze, painted with THE COUNTESS. THE BARON (her cousin and THE COUNTESS (looking up from her work). BARON, you doze. THE BARON (closing his book). I, Madame? No. I wait, your order---Stay or Go. THE COUNTESS. Which means, I think, that Go or Stay THE BARON. Excuse me, by your favour graced, THE COUNTESS. Or much the same. How keen you grow! You must be reading MARIVAUX. THE BARON. Nay, 'twas a song of SAINTE-AULAIRE. THE COUNTESS. Then read me one. We've time to spare If I can catch the clock-face there, 'Tis barely eight. THE BARON. What shall it be,--- A tale of woe, or perfidy? THE COUNTESS. Not woes, I beg. I doubt your woes: THE BARON (reads). "Ah, Phillis! cruel Phillis! You hold me with your Eyes, and yet You bid me -Go my Way!' 66 6 'Ah, Colin! foolish Colin! (The Maiden answered so,) If that be All, the Ill is small, I close them-You may go' "But when her Eyes she opened, (Although the Sun it shone,) She found the Shepherd had not stirred'Because the Light was gone!' "Ah, Cupid! wanton Cupid! 'Twas ever thus your Way: When Maids would bid you ply your Wings, You find Excuse to stay!" THE COUNTESS. Famous ! He earned whate'er he got :- THE BARON (turning the page). I think not.-No. Unless 'tis this: My fate is far more hard than his ; In fact, your Eyes THE COUNTESS. Now, that's a breach! Your bond is not to make a speech. |