242
LADY GERALDINE'S COURTSHIP.
But at last there came a pause. I stood all vibrating with thunder,
Which my soul had used. The silence drew her face up like a call.
Could you guess what word she uttered? She looked up, as if in wonder,
With tears beaded on her lashes, and said "Bertram!" it was all.
If she had cursed me—and she might have— or if even, with queenly bearing.
Which at need is used by women, she had risen up and said,
"Sir, you are my guest, and therefore, I have given you a full hearing—
Now, beseech you, choose a name exacting somewhat less, instead—"
I had borne it!—but that "Bertram"—why it lies there on the paper
A mere word, without her accents,—and you cannot judge the weight
