II. Mistress Mary QuIte Contrary

           Maryhadlikedtolookathermotherfromadistanceandshehadthoughtherverypretty,butassheknewverylittleofhershecouldscarcelyhavebeenexpectedtoloveherortomissherverymuchwhenshewasgone.Shedidnotmissheratall,infact,andasshewasaself-absorbedchildshegaveherentirethoughttoherself,asshehadalwaysdone.Ifshehadbeenoldershewouldnodoubthavebeenveryanxiousatbeingleftaloneintheworld,butshewasveryyoung,andasshehadalwaysbeentakencareof,shesupposedshealwayswouldbe.Whatshethoughtwasthatshewouldliketoknowifshewasgoingtonicepeople,whowouldbepolitetoherandgiveherherownwayasherAyahandtheothernativeservantshaddone.

           SheknewthatshewasnotgoingtostayattheEnglishclergyman’shousewhereshewastakenatfirst.Shedidnotwanttostay.TheEnglishclergymanwaspoorandhehadfivechildrennearlyallthesameageandtheyworeshabbyclothesandwerealwaysquarrelingandsnatchingtoysfromeachother.Maryhatedtheiruntidybungalowandwassodisagreeabletothemthatafterthefirstdayortwonobodywouldplaywithher.Bytheseconddaytheyhadgivenheranicknamewhichmadeherfurious.

           ItwasBasilwhothoughtofitfirst.Basilwasalittleboywithimpudentblueeyesandaturned-upnose,andMaryhatedhim.Shewasplayingbyherselfunderatree,justasshehadbeenplayingthedaythecholerabrokeout.ShewasmakingheapsofearthandpathsforagardenandBasilcameandstoodneartowatchher.Presentlyhegotratherinterestedandsuddenlymadeasuggestion.