Contrary Mary

And there was no one like her. And because of the dress, which Colin

had planned, and because of the way which he had taught her to do her

hair, Delilah annexed to her train of admirers on the night of the

Secretary's dinner a distinguished titled gentleman, who was looking

for a wife to grace his ancestral halls--and who was impressed mightily

by the fact that Delilah looked the part to perfection.

He proposed to her in three weeks, and was so sure of his ability to

get what he wanted that he was stunned by her answer: "Perhaps I'll make up my mind to it. I'll give you your answer when I

come over in the spring."

"But I want my answer now."

"I'm sorry. But I can't."

When she told Colin of her abrupt dismissal of the discomfited

gentleman, she asked, almost plaintively, "Why couldn't I say 'yes' at

once? It is the thing I've always wanted."

"Have you really wanted it?"

"Of course."

"Not of course. You want other things more."

"What for example?"

"I think you know."

She did know, and she drew a quick breath. Then laughed.

"You're trying to teach me to understand my--emotions, Colin, as you

have taught me to understand my clothes."

"You're an apt pupil."

Tea came in, just then, and she poured for him, telling his fortune

afterward in his teacup.

"Are you superstitious?" she asked him, having worked out a future of

conventional happiness and success.

"Not enough to believe what you have told me." He was flickering his

pale lashes and smiling. "Life shall bring me what I want because I

shall make it come."

"Oh, you think that?"

"Yes. All things are possible to those of us who believe they are

possible."

"Perhaps to a man. But--to a woman. There's Leila, for example. I'm

afraid----"

"You mustn't be. Life will come right for her."

"How do you know?"

"It comes right for all of us, in one way or another. You'll find it

works out. You're afraid for your little friend because of

Ballard--he's pretty gay, eh?"

"Yes. More, I think, than she understands. But everybody else knows

that they sent him away for that. And I can't see any way out. If he

marries her he'll break her heart; if he doesn't marry her he'll break

it--and there you have it."

"You must not put these 'ifs' in their way. There'll be some way out."