"Who knows when we get home? But what's happened?" and he pointed to the letter. "Well, then, the pigeon-house has blown down; and Rajah's flown away; and a strange cat has killed the gold-fish; and, in fact, FRED--as dear Mamma writes to me; not, as she says, she'd have me worry myself about the matter--in fact the house wants a mistress." "I have no doubt your excellent mother is right," said FRED; "and as you won't go to France, suppose we make way for _The Flitch_. Do you know, LOTTY, I'm curious to know if--after all--those slippers mayn't be found there." "_I'll_ take care of that," said I; "but you know, FRED, we can't go back yet." "Why not?"-- "Why, you know our honeymoon isn't quite out; and"-- "And what of that? We needn't burn all the moon from home. What if we put the last fragment on a save-all, and see it out at _The Flitch_?" "It isn't to be done, FRED," said I; for I knew how people would talk. "Of course, 'twould be said we were tired of our own society, and so got home for company." "Nevertheless," said FRED; "you take the flight of Rajah, that dear bird, with wondrous serenity." And it then struck me that I did _not_ feel so annoyed as I ought. "Ha, FRED," said I, "you don't know what my feelings may be; don't misjudge me because I don't talk. I can assure you, I am very much disturbed;" and I _was_ vexed. "Perhaps, then"--said FRED--"you'll take a little walk towards the Steyne; and recover yourself? I've some letters to write, my love: and--'twill do you good--I'll join you." "Certainly"--said I--"of course; if you wish it," and then I wondered why he _should_ wish to get rid of me. It never happened before. Yes--and the thought came again _very forcibly_ upon me--it's plain the honeymoon's nearly out; and then I left the room; and as I left it, didn't I _nearly_ bang the door? "Why should he wish to get rid of me?" I seemed quite bewildered with this question. Everything seemed to ask it. He could have written his letters without my leaving the house. However, I felt glad that I contained myself; and especially glad that I didn't bang the door.