A stealthy peep assuring her that his eyes were not closed, Mrs. Major nerved herself with a deep breath; with a long sigh let it escape in the form, “A year ago!”--dropped hands upon her lap and gazed wistfully at the setting sun. She had seen the trick very successfully performed upon the stage. Mr. Marrapit turned his eyes upon her. “You spoke, Mrs. Major?” With an admirable start Mrs. Major appeared to gather in wandering fancies. “I fear I was thinking aloud, Mr. Marrapit. I beg pardon.” “Do not. There is no occasion. You said 'A year ago.'” “Did I, Mr. Marrapit?” “Certainly,” said Mr. Marrapit. A pause followed. The wistful woman felt that, were the thing to be 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. She said musingly: “I wonder if they are right?”--sighed as though doubtful. “To whom do you refer?” “Why, the people who say that time flies when it is spent in pleasant company.” “They are correct,” Mr. Marrapit affirmed. “Oh, I do not doubt it for my part, Mr. Marrapit. I never knew what happiness was until I come here--came here. But if--” The masterly woman paused. “Continue” Mr. Marrapit commanded. The hard word was softly spoken. Mrs. Major's heart gave two little thumps; her plan clear before her, pushed ahead. “But if to you also, Mr. Marrapit, the time has seemed to fly, then--then Mr. Marrapit, my company has--has been agreeable to you?” Certainly there was a softness in Mr. Marrapit's tones as he made answer. “It has, Mrs. Major,” he said, “it has. Into my establishment you have brought an air of peace that had for some time been lacking. Prior to your arrival, I was often worried by household cares that should not fall upon a man.” Earnestly Mrs. Major replied: “Oh, I _saw_ that. I strove to lift them.” “You have lifted them. You have attended not only my cats but my kitchen. I am now able often to enjoy such evenings as these. This peace around us illustrates the tranquillity you have brought--”