Clara had been feeling a little ill earlier in the day and her maid had suggested that perhaps she retire early. Clara had not been feeling tired not particularly inclined to go to bed before her husband was even home from work but she had found herself complying. Now, she was very much under the personal impression that retiring early had been her idea entirely as she took her hairpins out.

Calling out for her husband to come in, she smiled at him as he leaned against the bedpost. “I was feeling a little ill but I think it has passed now. Then I figured I might as well finish my preparations,” she said as she continued undoing her hair.