Poems (Henley)/Lady-Probationer

by William Ernest Henley

IX LADY-PROBATIONER

Some three, or five, or seven, and thirty years;A Roman nose; a dimpling double-chin;Dark eyes and shy that, ignorant of sin,Are yet acquainted, it would seem, with tears;A comely shape; a slim, high-coloured hand,Graced, rather oddly, with a signet ring;A bashful air, becoming everything;A well-bred silence always at command.Her plain print gown, prim cap, and bright steel chainLook out of place on her, and I remainAbsorbed in her, as in a pleasant mystery.Quick, skilful, quiet, soft in speech and touch . . .'Do you like nursing?' 'Yes, Sir, very much.'Somehow, I rather think she has a history.