THE HAUNTED HOUSE br How loud the storm blew all that bitter night! br The loosened ivy tapping on the pane br Woke me and woke, again and yet again, br Till I was full awake and sat upright. br I listened to the noises of the night, br And presently I heard, disguised yet plain, br A footstep on the stair which mounted light br Towards me, and my heart outbeat the rain. br I knew that it was you. I knew it even br Before the door, which by design ajar br Waited your coming, had disclosed my fate. br I felt a wind upon my face from heaven. br I felt the presence of a life. My hair br Was touched as by a spirit. Insensate br I drew you to my bosom. Ah, too late! br I clutched the darkness. There was nothing there.