Mary pushed the old thoughts away and concentrated on her surroundings. A quiet town, wrapped in the mantle of sleep. Trees swayed in the cool night and crickets chirped. Heavy clouds obscured the stars. The gaslights were off, leaving the streets under heavy darkness.

A stray cat yowled in the distance, a tom singing for a mate. Mary wondered briefly if he'd land a lady, or if his call would go unanswered. That was the normal way of it. Those who wanted love were left ...