"Ted." She had never used his name so much. "She is writing you today."

In that instant Grace somewhat resembled Caro, as always when matters grew serious. Ted could see it, the turn of head and the clasped hands. If he put his fingers to the nape, he would find the cord there, prominent as Caro's. He said, "She is getting married."

"Do sit down." A hostess receiving.

"I prefer to stand." A Victorian hero on the carpet, or carpets.

A salesman paused, and tweaked a nine-by-twelve.

"Thank you we're just looking." Staring at one another, Grace and Ted created a tension not easily absorbed into rugs.