Page:Poems Douglas.djvu/30

And,' tho' boilin' wi' spleen at the course she maun tak
To keep in his graces, an' favour win back—
For the game's sudden motion her confidence shook,
Tho' sae close to her angle, 'twas no on the hook,—
Sae wi' voice o' compassion, as breakfast had closed,
A drive to the village wi' haste she proposed;
"The business is urgent and needful," she sighed,
"The poor sewing girl must with work be supplied."
Mamma kent ower much to oppose her desire,
Sae she went on her mission—her escort the squire.
Sic visitors gi'ed the Lees rather a start,
Jess had just to the Banker prepared to depart;
Nae change in her claithin' as yet had ta'en place,
But the artist observed unco change in her face.
Though pensive an' sweet, 'neath her glossy black hair
The anguish that marked it yestreen was na there;
There was dignity, too, in the pale mither's e'e,
"That the noble Miss Clara had nae thocht to see.
Wi' great condescension her name she reveals,
'Whilst the flunkey the bundle brings ben at her heels.
"At desire of mamma, I have given this call,
And brought you some sewing and change from the Hall;
And when it is finished just step out for more,
For I see," added she, "you are wretchedly poor.
I am one of a party, united to serve
The indigent class, if they really deserve;
So should you be found, when inquiry is made,
Of benefit worthy, depend on my aid.
But paupers of late have so grossly imposed
That we almost decided our fund should be closed;