University of Virginia Library

“Not know what ‘lady’ means, young Isabel,
Seeing me straight before you? Esther Hale,

15

The Lady Isabel doubts Lady Me!
I 've heard you called a walking dictionary,—
Enlighten us, please!”
“‘Lady’ or ‘girl’ or ‘woman,’
Whichever word you choose,” said Esther, “each
Means excellence and sweetness. ‘Lady,’ though,
Can slip its true sense, leaving an outside
Easy to imitate. At first it meant
‘Giver of loaves.’ I 've heard it rhymed, this way:—