His little wife had only to walk from the Plaza, it was true, but he knew, although a newly married man, that to be half an hour late was to be ten minutes early.
At exactly five minutes past twelve he saw her turn off the Avenue, and as he strolled along to meet her, charmed and delighted by her daintiness, proud and happy at his possession of her, he did a thing that all wise and tactful husbands do--he forced back an irresistible desire to be humorous at her expense and so won an entry of approval from the Recording Angel.
If they had both been punctual they would have seen Martin go off in his car to drive the girl who had had no luck to the trees and the wild flowers and the good green earth.
Joan's mother, all agog to see the young couple who had taken life into their own hands with the sublime faith of youth, had made it her first duty to call, however awkward and unusual the hour.

Her choice of hats in which to do so had been a matter of the utmost importance.
They were told that Mr.Gray had gone out of town, that Mrs.Gray was not yet awake and followed the butler upstairs to the drawing-room with a distinct sense of disappointment.

The room still quivered under the emotion of Gilbert Palgrave.
Rather awkwardly they waited to be alone.

Butlers always appear to resent the untimely visitation of relations.

Sunlight poured in through the windows.