asked Marie presently, more, I felt convinced, to break a silence that was becoming oppressive than from any real interest in me or my belongings.

"Did you not know that we were married this morning, Marie?" I demanded rather sharply.

"Comment!" She was interested now to such an extent that the exclamation she uttered was in her own language. "You were married this morning—to-day?"—with incredulity.

"Certainly," said I. "When my husband engaged you did he not tell you that he was about to be married?"

"No, Madame," replied Marie. "When I called regarding the advertisement he told me I was to be maid to his wife. In consequence I thought you were long married. But, Madame, pardon me, if you were married to-day, why is it that Monsieur leaves you so soon alone?"

"Why not?" I was furious with her and would have given a sovereign for the privilege of administering a sharp slap. I could not answer her question. I knew of no answer. It was evident, however, from her unfeigned surprise that