Munro incorporates ambiguity several times throughout her short story to build suspense and keep her audience entertained. The most striking example of this ambiguity occurs in Chris Watters' dealings with Edie. When he first encounters Edie, dolled up in the kitchen, he says, "Well, I just wanted to tell you you look very . . . nice and beautiful," (Munro 135). This statement could be taken as a friendly compliment from an older passerby or a subtle romantic advance. As a result of this ambiguity, the idea that Watters could be the husband mentioned in the title becomes plausible. However, another instance of ambiguity, Alice Kelling's relationship with Chris Watters, almost eliminates that possibility. Upon entering the story, Alice seems legitimate: she has a detailed story of meeting Chris, nursing him, falling in love, and accepting his marriage proposal. Regardless, Chris' dealings with Alice tell another tale. For instance, when Chris and Alice return from a date, rather than kiss each other goodnight or show any type of affection appropriate for a soon-to-be-married couple, they, without emotion, part ways and go to sleep. Consequently, the actual relationship between Chris and Alice becomes a mystery. Although Alice states the two are engaged, they do not behave as such. This fact reopens the possibility of Chris marrying Edie and keeps the audience engaged in the story until Munro provides a dramatic twist to end the story.
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