You chose the best among us-a strong

man;

For where he fixed his heart he set his hand To do the thing he willed, and bore it through.

And wherefore did he go this weary way, 295 And leave you lonely? not to see the world

For pleasure-nay, but for the wherewithal

To give his babes a better bringing-up Than his had been, or yours; that was his wish.

And if he come again, vexed will he be 300 To find the precious morning hours were lost.

And it would vex him even in his grave, If he could know his babes were running wild

Like colts about the waste. So, Annie

Then Annie with her brows against the wall Answered, "I cannot look you in the face; I seem so foolish and so broken down. 315 When you came in, my sorrow broke me down;

And now I think your kindness breaks me down.

But Enoch lives; that is borne in on me; He will repay you. Money can be repaid; Not kindness such as yours."

And Philip asked, 320 "Then you will let me, Annie?"

There she turned, She rose, and fixed her swimming eyes upon him,

And dwelt a moment on his kindly face, Then calling down a blessing on his head, Caught at his hand, and wrung it pas