Propriety

She greeted him at her front door Promptly arrived at half past four Sat him down in an easy chair Placed close by hers with proper care He placed his hand upon her knee As she served him Earl Grey tea Left it there a merest instant Then drew it back so content She hadn’t recoiled or shown alarm Not even smallest jerk of her arm Had disturbed the steady flow As both watched its level grow He heard the whisper of dress silk As she poured and added the milk She sat by his side with a little sigh As his fingers brushed against her thigh And for now he thought it best There to let the matter rest He took his leave soon after that Took his cane doffed his hat Saw then much to his surprise The little twinkle in her eyes Said may I call again once more She nodded yes and closed her door Watched him walk down the lane Tall and straight with swagger cane