Stranger in a Strange Land

out the meanderings of their twisty little minds, the only thing that I have learned for certain about women is that when a gal is gonna, she's gonna. All a man can do is cooperate with the inevitable."
                Ben thought ruefully about times when he had resorted to fast footwork-and other times when he hadn't been fast enough. "Yeah, you're right. Well, which one isn't getting married or anything? Miriam? Or Anne?"
                "Hold it, I didn't say the bride was pregnant ... and anyhow, you seem to be assuming that Dorcas is the prospective bride. You haven't kept your eyes open. It's Miriam who is studying Arabic like mad, so she can do it right."
                "Huh? Well, I'll be a cross-eyed baboon!"
                "You obviously are."
                "But Miriam was always snapping at Stinky-"
                "And to think that they trust you with a newspaper column. Ever watch a bunch of sixth-graders?"
                "Yes, but- Dorcas did everything but a nautch dance."
                "That is just Dorcas's natural, normal behavior with all men. She used it toward you, too-although I suppose you were too preoccupied elsewhere to realize it. Never mind. Just be sure that when Miriam shows you her ring-the size of a roe's egg and about as scarce-be sure to be surprised. And I'm damned if I'll sort out which two are spawning, so that you'll be certain to be surprised. Just remember that they are pleased about it . . . which is why I tipped you off ahead of time, so that you wouldn't make the mistake of thinking that they thought they were 'caught.' They don't. They weren't. They're smug." Jubal sighed. "But I'm not. I'm getting too old to enjoy the patter of little feet when I'm busy ... and contrariwise, I won it lose perfect secretaries-and kids that I love, as you know-for any reason if I can possibly induce them to stay. But I must say that this household has become steadily more disorganized ever since the night Jill kicked Mike's feet out from under him. Not that I blame her and I don't think you do, either."
                "No, I don't, but-Jubal, let me get this straight. Are you under the impression that Jill started Mike on his merry rounds?"
                "Huh?" Jubal looked startled, then thought back-and admitted to himself that he had never known . . . he had simply assumed it from the fact that when it came to a decision, Jill had been the one who had gone away with Mike. "Who was it?"
                "'Don't be nosy, bub,' as you would put it. If she wants to tell you, she will. However, Jill told me-straightened me out when I made the same jumping-to-conclusions that you did. Mmm-" Ben thought. "As I understand it, which one of the four happened to score the first run was more or less chance."
                "Mmm ... yes. I believe you're right."
                "Jill thinks so. Except that she thinks Mike was exceedingly lucky in happening to seduce, or be seduced by (if! have the proper verb)-by the one best fitted to start him off right. Which may give you some hint if you know anything about how Jill's mind works."
                "Hell, I don't even know how mine works ... and as for Jill, I would never have expected her to take up preaching no matter how lovestruck she was-so I certainly don't know how her mind works."
                "She doesn't do much preaching-we'll get to that. Jubal, what do you read from the calendar?"
                "Huh?"
                "You know what I mean. You think Mike did it-in both cases. Or you think so if his visits home match up in either or both cases."
                Jubal said guardedly, "Why do you say that, Ben? I've said nothing to lead you to think so."
                "The hell you haven't. You said that they were smug, both of them. I know all too well the effect that goddam superman has on women."
                "Hold it, son-he's your water brother."
                Ben said levelly, "I know it-and I love him, too. If! ever decided to go gay, Mike would be my only choice. But that's all the more reason why I understand why they are smug."
                Jubal stared at his glass. "Maybe they just hope. Ben, seems to me your name could be on the list, even easier than Mike's. Yes?"
                "Jubal, you're out of your