No More Learning

"
Three times he barely stirred the bell, then listened.
"Why, Lett, still up? Lett, I'm at Cole's. I'm late.
I called you up to say Good-night from here
Before I went to say Good-morning there. --
I thought I would. --I know, but, Lett--I know--
I could, but what's the sense? The rest won't be
So bad. --Give me an hour for it. --Ho, ho,
Three hours to here! But that was all up hill;
The rest is down. --Why no, no, not a wallow:
They kept their heads and took their time to it
Like darlings, both of them. They're in the barn. --
My dear, I'm coming just the same. I didn't
Call you to ask you to invite me home.
--"
He lingered for some word she wouldn't say,
Said it at last himself, "Good-night," and then,
Getting no answer, closed the telephone.
The three stood in the lamplight round the table
With lowered eyes a moment till he said,
"I'll just see how the horses are. "

"Yes, do,"
Both the Coles said together. Mrs. Cole
Added: "You can judge better after seeing. --
I want you here with me, Fred. Leave him here,
Brother Meserve. You know to find your way
Out through the shed. "

"I guess I know my way,
I guess I know where I can find my name
Carved in the shed to tell me who I am
If it don't tell me where I am. I used
To play--"

"You tend your horses and come back.
Fred Cole, you're going to let him! "

"Well, aren't you?
How can you help yourself? "

"I called him Brother.
Why did I call him that? "

"It's right enough.