I suspected the cause of this, but did not detect my lady, until she had been some months in my family.
One morning, after breakfast was over, and the children off to school, I drew on a cap, and went down to sweep out and dust the parlors.

I had not been at work long, when I heard the bell ring.
Presently Mary came tripping down stairs.

As she opened the street door, I heard her say: "Ah! another letter?
Who is it for?
Me ?" "No, it is for Mrs.Smith," was answered, in the rougher voice of the Despatch Post-man.
"Oh." There was a perceptible disappointment in Mary's tone.

"What's the postage ?" she asked.
"Paid," said the man.
The door closed, and I heard the feet of Mary slowly moving along the passage.

Then the murmur of her voice reached my ears.