summer midnight
The twilight grew still darker , The fragrant flowers more sweet , The stars shone out in heaven , The lamps gleam 'd down the street ; And hours pass 'd in dreaming Over their new-found fate , Ere they could think of wondering Why Bertha was so late . She came , and calmly listen 'd ; In vain they strove to trace If Herbert 's memory shadow 'd In grief upon her face . No blame , no wonder show 'd there , No feeling could be told ; Her voice was not less steady , Her manner not more cold . They could not hear the anguish That broke in words of pain Through that calm summer midnight , -- `` My Herbert -- mine again ! '' Yes , they have once been parted , But this day shall restore The long lost one : she claims him : `` My Herbert -- mine once more ! '' Now Christmas Eve returning , Saw Bertha stand beside The altar , greeting Dora , Again a smiling bride ; And now the gloomy evening Sees Bertha pale and worn , Leaving the house for ever , To wander out forlorn . Forlorn -- nay , not so .