IV

Miss Good's home had for years now held a special warmth and care.

T'was plain to see that drab Marie

And six small boys, with all their toys,

Were more than happy there.

But Katie had for months now, ruled the house with all her force;

By making fun of everyone,

Or being mean through plot and scheme

And showing no remorse.

The boys, Kate felt, were noisy and disturbed her beauty sleep.

"A bruise or cut is best to shut

A yacking lip!" she'd fondly quip,

Then slap each little creep.

The rest of all her cruelty was aimed at poor Marie.

Her high-toned pitch would screech, "You bitch!

"You're much too gross to stand so close.

"Now, get away from me!"

Yet, when her days were empty and poor Kate was feeling bad,

Marie was kind, only to find

When she was down, Kate turned around

And made her twice as sad.

And so the torment lasted till one night Miss Good came home;

Her face was flushed, her pace was rushed.

She caught her wind, sat down and grinned,

"Dear Kate, you're going home!"

"What ?" exclaimed the others, "Oh , that's lovely!" cried Marie.

"I'm happy, dear!" "Good grief! Look here,

"You little snot, it's clear you're not!

 "You're filled with jealousy!"

"Enough!" cried old Miss Good. "I saw a sign in town tonight.

"A girl's been lost, and at all cost

They want the child." And here Kate smiled,

"That must be me, alright!"

"It claimed the girl's a beauty; her perfection stands alone."

Marie burst in, "I know it then.

"Oh, Kate, it's true ! The girl is you!

"Your family wants you home!"

Embracing her, Marie now cried, with feeling most sincere,

"We love you Kate, and I shall hate

To see you go." Kate breathed, "Oh, no!

"You've made me make-up smear!

"Now, c'mon, Good, out with the rest. When can I leave this place?"

"I'm not sure yet, Kate, nothing's set;

You'll go by bus, but --- none of us —"

"Can pay?! That's a disgrace!

"I've stayed and helped and all I get's a measly little, 'Thanks'?!"

Her anger burned, but when she turned,

She found they'd sought, and to her brought

Their loaded piggy-banks.

"Take this money," sniffed Marie, "I'm sure it's quite enough.

"And I'll go too to make sure you

"Arrive alright and reunite;

"The city's awfully rough!"

"Well, that's more like it," Kate agreed. "There's no more to be said.

"Tomorrow noon we’ll start, and soon

I'll leave this slum for dad and mum,

And sleep in my own bed!"