And often thought "I 'll make them man and wife." Now Dora felt her uncle's will in all, And yearn'd towards William; but the youth, because He had been always with her in the house, Thought not of Dora. Then there came a day When Allan call'd his son, and said, I married late, but I would wish to see My son: My grandchild on my knees before I die : Now therefore look to Dora; she is well I will not marry Dora.” Then the old man Was wroth, and doubled up his hands, and said: And let me have an answer to my wish; But William answer'd madly; bit his lips, And broke away. The more he look'd at her The less he liked her; and his ways were harsh; But Dora bore them meekly. Then before The month was out he left his father's house, Then, when the bells were ringing, Allan call'd 66 It cannot be my uncle's mind will change!" And days went on, and there was born a boy To William; then distresses came on him; And day by day he pass'd his father's gate, Heart-broken, and his father help'd him not. But Dora stored what little she could save, And sent it them by stealth, nor did they know Who sent it; till at last a fever seized On William, and in harvest time he died. Then Dora went to Mary. Mary sat And look'd with tears upon her boy, and thought Hard things of Dora. Dora came and said: "I have obeyed my uncle until now, And I have sinn'd, for it was all thro' me This evil came on William at the first. But, Mary, for the sake of him that 's gone, And for your sake, the woman that he chose, You know there has not been for these five years And I will set him in my uncle's eye Among the wheat; that when his heart is glad And spied her not; for none of all his men But when the morrow came, she rose and took The child once more, and sat upon the mound; And made a little wreath of all the flowers Whose child is that! "Where were you yesterday? What are you doing here?" So Dora cast her eyes upon the ground, And answer'd softly, "This is William's child! "And did I not," said Allan, "did I not Forbid you, Dora?" Dora said again; 66 "Do with me as you will, but take the child And bless him for the sake of him that 's gone!" And Allan said, "I see it is a trick Got up betwixt you and the woman there. I must be taught my duty, and by you! So saying, he took the boy, that cried aloud And struggled hard. The wreath of flowers fell |