The End of the Quarrel
By Kate Putnam Osgood
Good Housekeeping, June 1892, p. 277
He kept his vow of absence well--
For two whole days together!
But when the second twilight fell,
Love broke the tightened tether. The chilly evening flung its rain,
With peevish gust and sprinkle;
To threaten, through the glimmering pane,
The firebrand's fitful twinkle. But when a sudden rush of air
Blew out the lighted candle,
She, looking not, was still aware
What fingers turned the handle. How could he guess the level lid
Some secret tears dissembled?
Or that her silence proudly chid
The tones that would have trembled? So, doubtful, angry, half-ashamed,
Half pleased to have defied her,
He took the chair the cat had claimed,
And, speechless, sat beside her! The rusty clock-hand slowly creaked
From minute on to minute;
A mouse from out the shadow squeaked,
Nor stirred the quiet in it; The flickering firelight seemed to rise
And grow to wall and rafter,
While lips that trembled once with sighs
Were trembling now with laughter; Till, spent at last, the sleepy brand
Looked at each silent lover,
Blinked thrice, and left them hand in hand
Beneath the darkness' cover!
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