Surely
no one can object to that? (_Contrite Officials express mournful
approval._) And now good-bye, and A Happy New Year. As for the
future--hope, my good friends, hope!
[_Exeunt the contrite Employes, leaving the Officials of a
Higher Grade agitating the nerves controlling their eyelids
spasmodically._
ACT III.--"FUTURE."--_Same Scene as Act I. Venerable Employes
discovered, after twenty years' further service._
_First Venerable Employe_. Remember the words spoken a score of
winters ago--Hope, brother, hope!
_Second Venerable Employe_. Yes--Hope, brother, hope!
[_As the Scene closes, the entire Establishment are left
continuing the self-sustaining, but rather profitless
employment, indefinitely. Curtain._
* * * * *
_A Son of the Pool_. By the Author of _A Daughter of the Pyramids_.
* * * * *
CHARLES KEENE
BORN AUGUST 10, 1823. DIED JANUARY 4, 1891.
What words avail to honour friends departed,
Gone from the gatherings which so long they graced?
What phrase seems fit when comrades loyal-hearted
Mourn a loved presence late by death displaced?
No formal elegiacs fashioned coldly,
Beseem the memory of that manly soul,
Whose simple, downright spirit trod so boldly
Life's most sequestered ways from start to goal.
Pages:
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48