And so when mother writes about the things

That I spend half my time a-thinkin’ of,

There’s one short line that every letter brings:

“Father will write, and meanwhile sends his love.”

“Father will write.” Well, some day p’raps he will—

There’s lots of funny prophecies come true;

But if he just keeps promisin’ to, still,

I’ll understand, and dad’ll know I do.

MLLE. SOIXANTE-QUINZE

Oh, a mistress fit for a soldier’s love