The Slim Princess | Page 4

and yet, millions of women have been less
than perfect and most of them have married."
He looked hard at the ceiling for a full minute and then murmured,
"Even men have their shortcomings."
This declaration struck him as being sinful and almost infidel in its
radicalism, and yet it seemed to open the way to a logical reason why
some titled bachelor of damaged reputation and tottering finances
might balance his poor assets against a dowry and a social position,
even though he would be compelled to figure Kalora into the bargain.
It must be known that the Governor-General was now simply looking
for a husband for Kalora. He did not hope to top the market or bring
down any notable catch. He favored any alliance that would result in no
discredit to his noble lineage.
"At present they do not even nibble," he soliloquized, still looking at
the ceiling. "They have taken fright for some reason. They may have an
inkling of the awful truth. She is nineteen. Next year she will be
twenty--the year after that twenty-one. Then it would be too late. A
desperate experiment is better than inaction. I have much to gain and
nothing to lose. I must exhibit Kalora. I shall bring the young men to
her. Some of them may take a fancy to her. I have seen people eat sugar
on tomatoes and pepper on ice-cream. There may be in Morovenia
one--one would be sufficient--one bachelor who is no stickler for
full-blown loveliness. I may find a man who has become inoculated
with western heresies and believes that a woman with intellect is
desirable, even though under weight. I may find a fool, or an aristocrat
who has gambled. I may stumble upon good fortune if I put her out
among the young men. Yes, I must exhibit her, but how--how?"
He began reaching into thin air for a pretext and found one. The
inspiration was simple and satisfying.
He would give a garden-party in honor of Mr. Rawley Plumston, the

British Consul. Of course he would have to invite Mrs. Plumston and
then, out of deference to European custom, he would have his two
daughters present. It was only by the use of imported etiquette that he
could open the way to direct courtship.
Possibly some of the cautious young noblemen would talk with Kalora,
and, finding her bright-eyed, witty, ready in conversation and with
enthusiasm for big and masculine undertakings, be attracted to her. At
the same time her father decided that there was no reason why her
pitiful shortage of avoirdupois should be candidly advertised. Even at a
garden-party, where the guests of honor are two English subjects, the
young women would be required to veil themselves up to the nose-tips
and hide themselves within a veritable cocoon of soft garments.
The invitations went out and the acceptances came in. The English
were flattered. Count Malagaski was buoyed by new hopes and the
daughters were in a day-and-night flutter, for neither of them had ever
come within speaking distance of the real young man of their dreams.
On the morning of the day set apart for the début of Kalora, Count
Selim went to her apartments, and, with a rather shamefaced reluctance,
gave his directions.
"Kalora, I have done all for you that any father could do for a beloved
child and you are still thin," he began.
"Slender," she corrected.
"Thin," he repeated. "Thin as a crane--a mere shadow of a girl--and,
what is more deplorable, apparently indifferent to the sorrow that you
are causing those most interested in your welfare."
"I am not indifferent, father. If, merely by wishing, I could be fat, I
would make myself the shape of the French balloon that floated over
Morovenia last week. I would be so roly-poly that, when it came time
for me to go and meet our guests this afternoon, I would roll into their
presence as if I were a tennis-ball."

"Why should you know anything about tennis-balls? You, of all the
young women in Morovenia, seem to be the only one with a fondness
for athletics. I have heard that in Great Britain, where the women ride
and play rude, manly games, there has been developed a breed as hard
as flint--Allah preserve me from such women!"
"Father, you are leading up to something. What is it you wish to say?"
"This. You have persistently disobeyed me and made me very unhappy,
but to-day I must ask you to respect my wishes. Do not proclaim to our
guests the sad truth regarding your deficiency."
"Good!" she exclaimed gaily. "I shall wear a robe the size of an
Arabian tent, and I shall surround myself with soft pillows, and I shall
wheeze when I breathe and--who knows?--perhaps some