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           Hersufferinghadmadehimtireofher,ruinedhisownpleasure.Fromangerathim,athisindifferencetoherpain,shepassedtoremorse,andendedinblamingitallonherself.

           ThefourthSundayshedidn’tbotherdressingup,justpaddedaroundthekitchenbare-footedinshortsandvest,gettingahotbreakfastforLuddieandAnne,whoenjoyedthisincongruityonceaweek.Atthesoundoffootstepsonthebackstairssheturnedfrombaconsizzlinginthepan;foramomentshesimplystaredatthebig,hairyfellowinthedoorway.Luke?WasthisLuke?Heseemedmadeofrock,inhuman.Buttheeffigycrossedthekitchen,gaveherasmackingkissandsatdownatthetable.Shebrokeeggsintothepanandputonmorebacon.

           AnneMuellercamein,smiledcivillyandinwardlyfumedathim.Wretchedman,whatwasheabout,toleavehisnewwifeneglectedforsolong?

           "I’mgladtoseeyou’verememberedyouhaveawife,"shesaid."Comeoutontotheveranda,sitwithLuddieandmeandwe’llallhavebreakfast.Luke,helpMeggiecarrythebaconandeggs.Icanmanagethetoastrackinmyteeth."

           LudwigMuellerwasAustralian-born,buthisGermanheritagewasclearlyonhim:thebeefyredcomplexionnotabletocopewithbeerandsuncombined,thesquaregreyhead,thepale-blueBalticeyes.HeandhiswifelikedMeggieverymuch,andcountedthemselvesfortunatetohaveacquiredherservices.EspeciallywasLuddiegrateful,seeinghowmuchhappierAnnewassincethatgoldyheadhadbeenglowingaroundthehouse.