About this story
On your honeymoon at Ramsgate, you find a hidden photograph in his case, then meet the woman in it on the beach: his own mother, who says only that she pities you. Eustace confesses on the sand that he has lied to you, but the fuller truth comes from the landlady instead: his mother's name is Macallan, and so, whatever the marriage register says, is the husband asleep upstairs.
How it opens
Rain darkened the windows of a small London church, and damp wool scented the nearly empty pews.
No friend of your bridegroom had come; your uncle, aunt, and old Benjamin made the entire wedding party.
Doctor StarkweatherThe service is finished, Valeria, though you appear not to have heard the happy fact.
Aunt StarkweatherTake your husband's arm before the witnesses begin doubting which man you chose.
Choose
I heard every vow; it is the world afterward that startles me.
For once, Aunt, bewilderment may be allowed to a bride.