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I came back late and tired last night
⁠Into my little room,
To the long chair and the firelight
⁠And comfortable gloom.

But as I entered softly in
⁠I saw a woman there,
The line of neck and cheek and chin,
⁠The darkness of her hair,
The form of one I did not know
⁠Sitting in my chair.

I stood a moment fierce and still,
⁠Watching her neck and hair.
I made a step to her; and saw
⁠That there was no one there.

It was some trick of the firelight
⁠That made me see her there.
It was a chance of shade and light
⁠And the cushion in the chair.

Oh, all you happy over the earth,
⁠That night, how could I sleep?
I lay and watched the lonely gloom;
⁠And watched the moonlight creep
From wall to basin, round the room.
⁠All night I could not sleep.