Our buddy, Mary, bears all the trade-marks of many of her pushy maid counterparts. For one, she doesn't seem to know "her place." When the Martins first enter, she fusses at them for being late. And, of course, she challenges the status quo by daring to recite a poem in the presence of the Smiths and their guests. She also challenges social norms by declaring her past relationship with the Fire Chief and throwing herself into his arms. Mary also seems to be in on some information that her "betters" don't know about, at least in regards to the Martins' true identity. She reveals to the audience that, though the Martins think they're husband and wife, in actuality they aren't.