Episode 3

Mary's mother asked her where she had been and she said she had been to the house of Miquel.

That is a lie! Miquel has been here all the time, waiting for you to return.

Mary stamped her foot angrily. "So it has come to that? He follows me around to know where I have been. Is that it? l know that Miquel has been wanting an excuse to quarrel with me for a long time now.

You say I have not been to see him; was it not he who gave me this scent?"

'Let me see,' said the mother.

She took the scent and smeared some of it on her

face, then smiled affectionately. When she spoke again, Mary was surprised to note her change of attitude.

'l 've been wanting to tell you something, she confided. Some time ago the Adrian sent for you, but l did not tell you what he wanted with you because your father was so angry with him. Actually, the

Bryan wants to marry you, and I don't see any reason why he shouldnt. Of course, people will think it is his money that is attracting you, and that is why

have been hesitating. Look Miquel; he has spent his time with us ever since he was a child, but how much money has he ever brought into the family?

Such things are important, you know.

Mary said: I rather like this Bryan Adrian; he is a man who knows how to get what he wants. Dear

mother, I am afraid to admit this before my father because I know he might kill me. But if Bryan Adrian marries me, none of you will ever want for anything in this world again; you won't have to smoke your self in the kitchen or wear rags.

'How shall we do it, then?

'The next time Bryan Adrian sends somebody to speak to me, we must encourage the man with some good news.'

Meanwhile Bryan Adrian sent for his adviser, Bryan Martin, and told him that, he had succeeded

in giving the scent to the girl.

'Watch and see what happens next, Martin said.

'It is like setting fire to gunpowder. There'lI be an explosion soon.

Adrian continued to send messages to the girl to come and see him, and his messengers were not driven

away. At last Mary replied that she was willing to marry him. The servant went home delighted, and delivered the message to the Adrian. He was extremely

happy

Miquel returned to the house of Mary, and found her in. He sent greetings to the girl, and asked

her to come to the room where they used to sit together. For a long time she did not appear, and when at last she came her face was long and sad. Miquel, too, was not in a good frame of mind.

They sat for a tong time, then Miquel asked; Why don't you greet me?

'Because you don seem pleased with me. it is written in your face. If you have anything to tell me, do so; l am doing some work in the house with my mother.'

'You 've never spoken to me before in this manner, Mary."

'Have you ever come here at such an awkward time?"

There is no clock for me in this house. It has always been open to me at all hours of the day.'

'I know that, but l' m working now. Tell me what you want to say. I am very busy now, and if you have nothing to say, let me go.

Miquel was Silent, trying to control his rising temper.

'I heard that you went to visit the the richest man in this district; l Knew it as soon as you entered his compound. Nothing is hidden under the sun. I ran here at once and asked your mother where you have gone,

and she told me you have been to see me. I couldn't wait here and catch you returning because I was so angry,

If l had been able to control myself, I might have waited here and seen you return. Then I should have flogged you thoroughly.

'Has it come to flogging?"

'Yes. I have heard such talk before about your movements, and when l asked you, you denied it.

l gave you a proverb which you said you do not understand. Remember?"

'I remember the proverb and the answer I gave you when you had explained it to me. Now you listen to me. When a trader has got hold of some good cloth and has taken it to the market, at least ten bidders will price it before he sells it to the highest bidder. You must understand that a giri who has not been married is like a cloth in the markeplace. You are only the

first person to demand my hand in marriage. Do you imagine that means that you are definitely going to be my husband?

Miquel grew hot with anger, but he was afraid to annoy the father of the girl by flogging her. Leaving her abruptly, he went to her father and laid his complaint before him.

'Don't worry said the old man. 'My wife and I will never change towards you. Death is the only

agent that will prevent your marrying Mary. Do not have foolish fears like a little boy! Is Mary not my daughter? Must she not do my will?

'I agree with you in many ways, father; and your words bring me hope. But I must tell you that Mary is not going to marry me. I have read it from her ways.'

'Dont say that again.

'Since l have been coming here, l have always regarded you as a father. Have I ever before spoken in this manner to you? But listen- Mary has Just told me her mind; and I understand proverbs.

'What proverb have you in mind?"

'Well, Mary told me that she is like a cloth in the market, that it is not every body who offers a price for her that will get her.'

The old man's eyes kindled with anger. He sprang up to call the girl's mother, and at that moment he heard a quick movement behind the door.

'Who is hiding behind that door? Who has been listening to our talk?"

He went behind the door and looked but saw nobody and a moment later the girl joined him.

'Mary, What did you say to Miquel?

'I told him that a woman without a husband is like a cloth in the market; that the first man to woo her may not be the one who will marry her.'

'Are you in your senses?

'Why shouldn't I be in my senses?

The old man seized a cane and began to thrash her.

She cried aloud, and her mother came in.

'Why do you flog my daughter? Is it because of Miquel? You cannot force the girl to marry a man because you like him; give her a chance to choose the man she likes.'

'What!' gasped the old man. "You! To speak thus to me? Haven't we been agreed all these years? Has something happened to you?

He pushed her away from him so that he might swing his cane at her and Mary at the same time.

Miquel intervened.

'Don't flog them. Women behave like donkeys; a donkey will know that it is doing the wrong thing, but by flogging it you will not prevent it from repeating the same thing tomorrow.'

Mary's father heard these words and stopped.

When Miquel got home he told his parents what had happened.

'Didn't we warn you all the time that this girl would never marry you?" his mother said. I didn't try to argue with you because your eyes were veiled

with the film of love. Miquel, my son, go and sit down and don't worry yourself any longer. If it is the will of God that you should marry her, you will; if not, whatever you do, love alone will never help you.

Miquel was obstinate. I am not going to listen to this, mother. I shall not live in this town and see Mary in another man's house. I'm telling you this so that whatever I do in the future will not surprise you.'

To Be Continued...