Clarey Cotter was now twenty years old and had been married almost a year to Brad MacMillan. They made a handsome sight together, both tall, fair, and attractive.

They had met at her Aunt Flo's house in Harrisburg, when Brad had come by to interview Flo Darrin for an article in the local paper about the history of the city. Flo's late husband, Steuben, had been a well-known lawyer and judge for many years.

The attraction had been immediately apparent, and the young reporter had started courting Clarey a day later.

"Dillon, he is almost as tall and big as you are. He likes when I hug him hard. How are Kitty, Doc, and Chester? Brad has been eating supper with Aunt Flo and me almost every day now. Clarey."

The young woman wrote to the Marshal almost every week after she first went to live with her aunt two years ago. As her education continued, her letters began to reflect her successes at reading and writing and the social graces expected of a young lady in society.

"Dear Marshal Dillon,

I hope this finds you well. Please give my best to Miss Kitty, Doctor Adams, and Chester. Mr. Brad MacMillan and I are engaged to be married next month. I wish you all could be here. I will be thinking of you since I owe my new life to you and your kindness.

Sincerely,

Clarey"

Three weeks ago, Matt had received a letter from Clarey after two months of silence.

"Dear Matt,

Brad and I are relocating to San Francisco, California to take up residence in a house left us by his grandmother. We are traveling by both train and stage, and expect to arrive in Dodge on April 5th by the early morning stage. I would love to see all of you and to have Brad meet you.

Sincerely,

Clarey"

On April 5th, Matt, Kitty, Doc, and Chester assembled at the stage depot, eager to see Clarey and her husband.

"I swan to goodness, Mr. Dillon! Whadaya think she'll be like after all this time?! She sure writes like a real lady now."

"Chester, she IS a 'real lady' and always has been at heart. Let's not remind her of anything that might make her uncomfortable."

"I KNOW that, Mr. Dillon! I jest meant she'll look different and all."

Chester started to stifle a laugh, and Matt looked over at him curiously.

"I'm sure sorry, Mr. Dillon, but I was remembering the first meal we all had together at Delmonico's when Clarey fought with that steak!"

Matt grinned and nodded.

"Yeah, but she caught on quick after that! And Chester, you did a fine thing helping her with her reading and writing and all. I was proud of you!"

Doc saw his young friends laughing and walked over with Kitty on his arm.

"What's going on here? Let Kitty and me in on it!"

"Wal, Doc, if you have ta know, we was remembering how fast Clarey larned manners and all."

Doc smiled and looked at Kitty.

"We sure had an interesting time getting her to wear women's clothes, huh, Kitty? She certainly took a shine to my shoes!"

Kitty gave a boisterous laugh.

"I thought I was seeing things when Matt rode into town with Clarey wearing only her petticoat and Doc's shoes after her early morning swim! And those hugs she used to give him, almost picking him up off the ground!"

Matt looked down uncomfortably and cleared his throat.

"Now Kitty, you know that she just didn't know any better than to do what she wanted when she wanted. I'm sure she must be more reserved now in her behavior."

"More's the pity," Doc softly said.