She left the bed and stood upon a chair, to place the bonnet in a box upon the top of the wardrobe. "As a scientific problem it should interest you," she observed. "I created it out of nothing." Anthony caught her as she descended from the chair. "As a possible adornment for your head it interests me still more," he replied. "Because you haven't been married long enough to discover what an empty little head it is?" "Because it is the dearest head in the world, and the wisest. But what a thriftless house-keeper, not to have set the table!" A door had been cut into his study, and he glanced through. "Do you think you are still below Mason and Dixon's line, where time is not recognized?" "I forgot it," said Mariana; "but there isn't any bread, so you must go after it. Oh, you didn't get sardines again, did you? I said potted ham--and it is really a very small chicken they sent us." "Well, no matter. It might have been a chop. By the way, I met Mr. Speares--" "Father Speares," corrected Mariana. "Mr. or Father, he's a nice old chap, isn't he?" "He's a saint," said Mariana. Then she grew serious. "If you could have gone into the Church--honestly, I mean--how pleased he would have been, dearest." "Yes; but I couldn't, you know, and if I had I could not have married you. He is High Church, you see. Celibacy is his pet institution." Mariana colored. "Then I am glad you didn't." She flung herself upon him; then, drawing back, added, wistfully, "But you wouldn't have been poor." "Do you find it so hard?" "I hate it--for you. You work so hard. And I can't help you." "My beloved!" "I mind it most for you. But, of course, I feel badly when the washer-woman comes and there isn't any money--and I should like to have some gloves--" "You shall have them, my darling. Why didn't you tell me?" Mariana leaned upon his breast and swept her loosened hair across his arm. "It doesn't matter very much," she answered. "If I were starving and you kissed me I should forget it." And she added, with characteristic inconsequence: "Only I haven't been out for several days because I didn't have any." "You shall have them to-morrow. Is there anything else, dearest?" "Nothing!" laughed Mariana. She went to the mirror and began coiling her hair. From the glass her eyes met Anthony's, and she threw him a smiling glance. "I have been reading one of your books," she said, pointing with the brush; "there it is." Anthony lifted the volume from the bureau and grew serious. "Mill?" he observed. "It is a good start. Every woman should know political economy. I am glad it interests you."