He and Mathilde reached the house about a quarter before one, and Adelaide was not in.

This was fortunate, for while they waited they discovered a difference of intention.

Mathilde saw no reason for mentioning the fact that they had actually been on the point of taking out their marriage license.

She thought it was enough to tell her mother that the trip had been abandoned and that Pete had given up his job.

Pete contemplated nothing less than the whole truth.
"You can't tell people half a story," he said.