We came at last, alas! I see it yet, br With its open windows on the upper floor, br To a certain house still stirring, with lights set, br And just a chink left open of the door. br Here my companion stopped and bade me in; br Her dressmaker's, she said. And I, who heard br A sound of women's voices from within, br Shrank back alarmed and ready at a word br From any damsel stoutly to deny. br But ``Madame Blanche,'' she said to ease my fears, br ``Is a good soul, and far too wise to pry br Or fancy evil of her customers br At any hour of the night they choose to come, br Much less of me.'' And so I followed dumb.