The children's hour

Between the dark and the daylight,

When the night is beginning to lower,

Comes a pause in the days occupations,

That is known as Children's Hour.

I hear in the chamber above me

the patter of little feet

The sound of a door that is opened

and voices soft and sweet.

From my study I see in the lamplight

Descending the broad hall stair,

Grave Alice and laughing Allegra

and Edith with golden hair.