Marietta Leathwes's New Life

The house is silent when Marietta has left, and Mrs. Leathwes feels free again. She can go from room to room in stalking feet, and let the telephone ring unanswered. A bit of cheese on the wits biscuits she has a weakness for, gin and dry martini twice. August 26, 1974, the date floats through her midday thoughts. Silver framed, a reminder of her wedding day stands on a round in-laid surface among other photographs nearby.