Down in the grass I found her,
Above a letter bent;
The autumn leaves around her
Their soft mosaic blent.
She read the letter slowly,
As one that sips a joy.
I felt intruder wholly,
And certain to annoy.
She gave me loving greeting,
And drew me to her side,
While up her cheek went fleeting
A flow of rosy tide.
"I am so happy, Dearie,"
I heard her softly say,
"So happy, happy, Dearie,—
His letter came to-day!"
And all she told me of it
I have in mind so well;
She whispered me above it—
"—"—I promised not to tell!