An Absent-minded Man.

He lit a candle for young Ted.

This absent minded man.

—Twas time to send the boy to bed—

But something else came in his head,

Some problem or some plan.

His thoughts were miles and miles away,

But still the taper there,

While he was thinking, seemed to say,

“Bed! Bed! I’ll burn out if I stay!”

And scolded with its glare.

And so he took Ted’s candle light

—Ted grinned, the little elf—

And bade, with manner most polite,

His son a very sweet good-night,

And went to bed himself.