In 1841, in England did dwell,
A rich noble man, whose daughter would sail.
With a deep hidden secret and disguised as a man
The shores of Harbour Breton, her destination.

No lady in England was more in demand,
And a long line of suitors stood at her command.
But a young Mildred Baxter, with a mind of her own,
Chose over them all, handsome, young Paul Langstone.

Fresh out of Oxford, to Newman's he came
The position of clerk for two years he'd remain.
Then a challenge was issued from far across the ocean,
Encouraged by Mildred, he accepted the promotion.

Meanwhile from out of his very first pay,
He'd place on her finger an exquisite display.
A symbol of his love, and security,
A promise that someday, his wife she should be.

In 1843, 'twas Gaultois, Fortune Bay,
Then on to Harbour Breton, after a very short stay.
Here, he would work the Newman Plantation,
And play society lion, with the female population.

Though popular, and his company much in demand,
He stayed faithful to Mildred back home in England.
While flirting and courting the game of temptation,
Fate intervenes, and Paul pays with damnation.

Out of Jersey Harbour, there appeared on the scene,
A beautiful, young temptress, who vowed to demean,
This lofty Paul Langstone and his frivolous pride,
So she weaved him a web, that he should have denied.

She issued a challenge, that he couldn't resist,
Her denouncement of him, he just wouldn't dismiss,
Trapped by his pride, and before he'd realize,
Paul would fall a victim to Alice's demise.

So it was to be, After a year and a half stay,
Paul and Alice Young were married in May,
But love letters to Mildred continued to flow,
The mistake he had made, she'd need never know.

Rumour of the marriage to England arrived,
And Mildred did wonder how it was contrived,
So cutting her hair and attired as a man,
She boarded "The Eliza", as a young chap named "Stan".

Arriving in LaPoile, after one month at sea,
It was on to Harbour Breton, on the vessel, "Bonnie".
Young Stan's arrival caused quite a commotion,
But his kindness soon won him the town's folks's devotion.

Masquerading as Stan, Mildred soon learned the truth,
Though broken hearted, she remained aloof.
And as Stan Sheppard took the liberty,
Of revealing to Paul's wife her identity.

Constant companions were Stan Sheppard and Alice,
While Paul looked upon them, with favor and malice.
For he saw a chance, to be rid of his wife,
To return to Mildred and start a new life.

Taking advantage of this situation,
In court adultery was the accusation.
Paying witness to lie, Paul knew he would win,
And expose Stan and Alice for living in sin.

The courtroom was filled to capacity,
Everyone knew what the outcome would be.
With the judge in a hurry, to conclude the case,
A look of astonishment appeared on Paul's face.

"My God Mildred Baxter!" he cried in dismay,
As Stan Sheppard's attire was torn away.
To reveal the woman whom he had deceived ,
Convicted by his own hand, he could not believe.

"Your Honor," said Mildred,"I have one request,
The case against Alice , you must now dismiss.
And as for this scoundrel, this liar, this cheat,
His fine I will pay before I retreat."

By the town's folks, Paul Langstone was held in disgrace,
Dismissing the court Mildred bowed out with grace,
Many years have gone by and it's now history,
But we've never forgotten that English Lady.

So, here's to you men, who'd have ladies believe,
Professions of love, while you plan to deceive,
Remember Mildred Baxter, when you're feeling betwixt,
For you never know what a woman'll do next.