In this world, roses and thorns have a startling, preposterous way of suddenly exchanging natures so that what was thorn becomes fairest rose, and what was rose becomes most poisonous of thorns.

Ross had just fallen an amazed and incredulous victim to this alchemy.

Though somewhat uncomfortable and downright unhappy at times, he had been, on the whole, well pleased with himself and his prospects until he heard that Adelaide was actually about to marry Dory.

His content collapsed with the foundation on which it was built--the feeling that Adelaide was for no other man, that if at any time he should change his mind he would find her waiting to welcome him gratefully.

He took train for Saint X, telling himself that after he got there he could decide what to do.