He asked her many times if she wouldn't come into town and lunch, or
have tea, and they would go home together; but she explained
convincingly if mysteriously:

"You see, dear, this first day, I'll have to _get straight_," and
he went off alone.

Marie fell to work in the greatest spirits. She was armoured with the
rubber gloves and the housemaid's gloves and a chic pinafore. As she
worked she sang. Of course, a woman must have something to occupy a
little of her day. Marie hastened about these tasks cheerfully, and
before she was through them her mother came.

Her anxious look at her girl was dispelled by the brightness in the
bride's face. The small home was very snug; it maintained a high tone
of comfort and elegance. Mrs. Amber sat down by the dining-room fire
and drew off her gloves and said:

"Now tell me all about it, duck."

"All about what?" said Marie.

"The honeymoon," said Mrs. Amber.

Marie looked at her mother as if she were mad. She smiled at the fire.
"We had a lovely time," she replied evasively.

"And had that man lighted the fires yesterday? I couldn't get
round--"