by Gus Edwards

“ An old man's fortune, shatter'd thro' the rival's scheme 'twas done.
"Your daughter's hand," he cried, "Can save your name!"
The father sobs, "My darling, if you fail me now, there's none
To shield my old grey head from grief and shame."
The girl stands pale and sobbing,
A step sets her heart throbbing,
Then Jack's voice cried, "She'll stand by you thro' life!
She'll give all fortune gave me, but she cannot give her hand,
For years, in secret, we've been man and wife.
She is mine to have and to hold!
She has chosen between love and gold! ”