She reached the third floor at the same moment that the newlyweds were exiting the elevator at the other end of the hallway. She strode down the plushly carpeted hallway, and she extended her hand first to the young woman, and then to the young man.

"Welcome! Welcome! I'm Jessica Richards. This is my lodge, and, let me tell you, we're all delighted to have you here for your honeymoon. Here, let me help you with your bags."

Taking a suitcase in each of her hands, she escorted the couple to the bridal suite.

"I'm sorry I couldn't have met the two of you in the lobby when you arrived, but I was tied up with a long-distance call. My two nephews and my dear little niece, none of whom I've seen in ten years, are coming to visit. That was my sister on the phone telling me to expect them next week. I'm so excited. I never married, never had any kids of my own. Do the two of you plan on having children?" She set the suitcases down and straightened up.

The blushing newlyweds – hardly more than kids themselves – gawked at her, openmouthed.

"Oh, pardon me for prying. Sometimes this big mouth of mine gets away from me." She reached for the key, which was dangling from the bridegroom's shaky hand, and she unlocked the door for the couple, then showed the two of them into the room. "Here we are."

The newlyweds were impressed.

"Wow!" said the girl.

"Far out!" said the boy.

And she left them like that, left them to admire the full view of the lake and the snowcapped mountains behind it, left them to discover the pink, satin bedspread on the king sized bed and the large wall mirror in front of which they would consummate their marriage. She sealed the door behind her softly, then took three strides to the right and unlocked the door of her private theater.