XVI MRS. SKEFFYNGTON CALHUS

Mrs. Skeffyngton Calhus has three sons killed in the war, (But to see her brave, sweet face you would never guess it). She has “given” some nephews as well, and cousins galore: “And if one feels sad,” she says, “one ought to suppress it.” She belongs to two Funds, some Committees, and several clubs Where she states what she’s done for England, with modest pride; And she works like a black at recruiting, outside the pubs; And is always ready to tell “how her dear ones died.” There were three of them—Bob, Jack and Arthur—handsome men; So good to their mother, so courteous and brave and kind! Well—she bred them for England! It was God’s will. Amen. For her sorrow on earth, a reward in Heaven she would find. But Lily (the third from the left in “The Beauty-girl’s Glide”) Belonged to no clubs or committees, wasn’t noble at all; And the night of Jack’s death, in the wings, she broke down and cried Till her face was a sight and she couldn’t go on for the Ball. She hadn’t bred him for England, nor looked for rewards “up above”; He was all that she cared for on earth; and she railed at Fate And called down a curse on those who had slain her love. The “for England” touch she couldn’t appreciate. But Lily, of course, was only a simple soul. She lacked Mrs. Calhus’s exquisite self-control.