She was an Angel, verily. Sometimes I think I see her yet Stand smiling by the cabinet; And once, I know, she peeped and laughed Betwixt the curtains... Where's the draught? (She gives him a cup.) Now I shall sleep, I think, BABETTE ; Sing me your Norman chansonnette. BABETTE (sings.) "Once at the Angelus (Ere I was dead), Angels all glorious Came to my Bed ;— Angels in blue and white Crowned on the Head." M. VIEUXBOIS (drowsily.) "She was an Angel "..." Once she laughed "..... What, was I dreaming! Where's the draught? BABETTE (showing the empty cup.) The draught, M'sieu'? M. VIEUXBOIS. How I forget! I am so old! But sing, BABETTE! BABETTE (sings.) "One was the Friend I left Stark in the Snow; One was the Wife that died Long,-long ago; One was the Love I lost... How could she know?" M. VIEUXBOIS (murmuring.) Ah, PAUL !...old PAUL!...EULALIE too! And ROSE !...And O! "the sky so blue! BABETTE (sings.) "One had my Mother's eyes, Wistful and mild; One had my Father's face; One was a Child: All of them bent to me,— Bent down and smiled !” (He is asleep!) M. VIEUXBOIS (almost inaudibly.) "How I forget!" “I am so old”....." Good night, Babette!” |