She reached across the cloth to me. My Blanche, you pleased me so! We sipped our wine and scarcely heard The gentle music. The shaded lamps Made tables islands of their own; Ours was an isle of magic

In a realm of gold. So easily Did we forget the world outside,

So much did we enjoy each other.

Then, once, as Eduard took the plates, I felt he looked at me-

Yet, when I raised my eyes,

I saw but calm composure

In his face; it was just something

Which I had sensed when he was near

That I could not define,

And yet could not shake off.

There was the slightest brush

Against my arm as he was serving,

And I hardly noticed that--

But later, when I raised my eyes

From Blanche's face

And looked across the room

To where he stood

His eye caught mine and held it,

And a slow smile played along his lips.

For a long moment he was another island, calling,

And there was no gulf between.

Then he was Eduard himself again,

And I, myself, with Blanche.

But the lights had dimmed a little,

The wine had lost its glow,

And the music its enchantment. Perhaps the goodness of the meal Had satisfied our souls as well: We gazed at one another And Blanche and I both sighed With rich enjoyment, as we toyed With thoughts of going home.

But inwardly I dwelt upon the look That I had caught in Eduard's eye And the smile upon his lips.

Peter Kane

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