If you had to tell a lie why didn't you take Mark Twain's advice and tell a good one?
The name, for instance--why on earth did you choose 'Mary ?' Even 'Marion' would have been safer.

Don't you know you can't turn a corner in Bainbridge or anywhere else without stumbling over a Mary?
There's a Mary in my office at the present minute and--yes, by Jove, she has golden hair!" The professor looked stubborn.
"My Mary's hair was not golden.

It was yellow, plain yellow.

I remember I made a point of that." "Well then, there's Mary Davis.

You remember her ?" "The one who visited Aunt Caroline ?" "Yes.