"I think Robin thinks a good deal more of Isobel and I'm glad," she said quite determinedly. "The fact is, I was sure I would be glad if something like that happened. I was sure before Isobel came."
Mr. Leighton patted her shoulder.
"Thank you, my dear, for telling us. You're just to do as you like about these things. Difficult to talk about, aren't they? Remember, I don't think much of Robin now, or that sister of his. They could have arranged it better, I think. Never mind. I shall be glad to have you find worthier friends." He patted her shoulder again, and looked over at Mrs. Leighton. She was surreptitiously wiping her eyes. Mabel sat strong and straight and rather radiant as though a weight were lifted.
"I don't think," said Mr. Leighton to his wife in a clear voice, "I don't think that either you or I would be of greater service to Jean than Mabel could be! Now, do you, my dear, seriously, do you?" He kept an eye on her to claim the answer for which he hoped.
"I don't think so, John," said Mrs. Leighton.
"Then could you get ready for the 8.50 to-morrow morning?" asked Mr. Leighton of Mabel.
Mabel hugged him radiantly for answer.
"I don't know how I can live without two of you, even for a week," he said. "But then, I won't be selfish. Make the most of it and a success of it, and I shall always be glad afterwards that you went."
It was no joke to have to prepare in one evening for a visit to London. Elma's heart stopped beating when she heard of the arrangement.
"Oh, Mabs, and I shall be left with that--bounder!"