Esther, A Sonnet Sequence: Xlvi

Not so my little sponsor. She, with eyes Proudly unconscious of my fool's display, Talked volubly to all and scorned disguise, While Madame Blanche herself, no less than they, Smiled us a welcome, and with upraised hands Disclaimed excuse and led us straightway through To an inner room as to a Conference. There I first saw to my amazement new That fair white mystery, a woman's dress, And heard its language spoken. Stuffs were brought And cards unrolled before us, braids and lace Lauded and handled and their merits taught To ears that listened and to eyes that saw Their secret sense, the law within the law.