The Orphanage

When, ere the tangled web is reft, The kid-gloved villain scowls and sneers, And hapless innocence is left With no assets save sighs and tears,

'Tis then, just then, that in there stalks The hero, watchful of her needs; He talks, Great heavens how he talks! But we forgive him, for his deeds.

Life is the drama here to-day And Death the villain of the plot. It is a realistic play. Shall it end well or shall it not?

The hero? Oh, the hero's part Is vacant — to be played by you. Then act it well! An orphan's heart May beat the lighter if you do. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle