Chapter XIV

Like some great thought that finds release at last, The happy Spring in buds expression found.

Coralline Earl grew rich in every grace. Her eyes' blue heavens were serene with soul, And goodness sunned her face from light within. Her hands were soft with kindness. On her brow Shone hope, more lovely than a ruby star.

As in the ancient days sat Mordecai At the king's gate, and waited for the hour, When, clothed with pomp, he too should take his seat Among the mighty nobles of the land, So at the gateway of her palace heart, Love tarried, that he too might enter in, And rule the kingdom of another life.

Not long the waiting; for when Stanley Thane Came from his northern home with Dalton Earl, And on the terrace steps met Coralline, Love took the sceptre that his waiting won.

Well worthy to be loved was Stanley Thane. He could not claim a titled ancestor, Nor boast of any blood but Puritan. His father was successful on exchange, Reaped fortune by a rise in merchandise, Now sent his partner son with Dalton Earl Toward the claspless girdle of the South. And Stanley Thane was all that makes true men; High thought, high purpose, loving right the best, His mind was clear and fresh as air at morn.

He kissed the rosy tips of Coralline's hand, And that day galloped with her through the town, And wandered with her down magnolia lanes, And watched, below the spray-woofed fall, the brook, That seemed a maid, who, sitting at a loom, Wove misty lace to decorate the rocks.