done properly, the word lay with her companion. To her pleasure he
continued:

"To-day, then, is an anniversary?"

"It is."

"Of a happy event, I trust?"

Mrs. Major clasped her hands; spoke with admirable ecstasy. "Oh, Mr.
Marrapit, of a golden--golden page in my life."

"Elucidate," Mr. Marrapit commanded.

Mrs. Major put into a whisper:

"The day I came here."

Mr. Marrapit slowly moved his head towards her.

Her eyes were averted. "The time has passed swiftly," he said.

Mrs. Major breathed: "For me it has flown on--on--" She searched
wildly for a metaphor. "On wings," she concluded.

Again there was a pause, and again Mrs. Major felt that for this
passage to have fullest effect the word lay with Mr. Marrapit. But Mr.
Marrapit, himself considerably perturbed, did not speak. The moments
sped. Fearful lest they should distance beyond recovery the sentiments
she felt she had aroused, Mrs. Major hastened to check them.