"You will be when you're grown up," he answered, looking at me
critically.

"Will you be going to Mrs. Greaves' reception after the dinner?" I
asked.

"Yes, I suppose so," said Sidney absently. I could see he wasn't
thinking of me at all. I wondered if he were thinking of Mrs. Rennie.

* * * * *

April Sixth.

Oh, something so wonderful has happened. I can hardly believe it.
There are moments when I quake with the fear that it is all a dream. I
wonder if I can really be the same Cornelia Marshall I was yesterday.
No, I'm _not_ the same ... and the difference is so blessed.

Oh, I'm so happy! My heart bubbles over with happiness and song. It's
so wonderful and lovely to be a woman and know it and know that other
people know it.

You dear diary, you were made for this moment ... I shall write all
about it in you and so fulfil your destiny. And then I shall put you
away and never write anything more in you, because I shall not need
you ... I shall have Sidney.

Last night I was all alone in the house ... and I was so lonely and
miserable. I put my chin on my hands and I thought ... and thought ...
and thought. I imagined Sidney at the Greaves', talking to Mrs. Rennie
with that velvety smile in his eyes. I could see her, graceful and
white, in her trailing, clinging gown, with diamonds about her smooth
neck and in her hair. I suddenly wondered what I would look like in
evening dress with my hair up. I wondered if Sidney would like me in
it.

All at once I got up and rushed to Sue's room. I lighted the gas,
rummaged, and went to work. I piled my hair on top of my head, pinned
it there, and thrust a long silver dagger through it to hold a couple
of pale white roses she had left on her table. Then I put on her last
winter's party dress. It was such a pretty pale yellow thing, with
touches of black lace, and it didn't matter about its being a little
old-fashioned, since it fitted me like a glove. Finally I stepped back
and looked at myself.

I saw a woman in that glass ... a tall, straight creature with crimson
cheeks and glowing eyes ... and the thought in my mind was so
insistent that it said itself aloud: "Oh, I wish Sidney could see me
now!"

At that very moment the maid knocked at the door to tell me that Mr.
Elliot was downstairs asking for me. I did not hesitate a second. With
my heart beating wildly I trailed downstairs to Sidn