Isobel saw here the result of incalculable goodness as encouraged by Mr. Leighton. His words had stung her to an exalted notion of what she might do to show him that she could confer as well as receive. She should "ingratiate Sarah" in a thorough manner. The result of it surprised her more than she would confess. There were other ways of receiving benefits than by grabbing with both hands it seemed. Isobel began to think that unselfish people probably remained unselfish because they found it a paying business. Nothing would ever really relieve her mind of its mercenary element.
The funniest experience of her life was this new friendship with Sarah. Mr. Leighton noted it, and she saw that he noted it. She went one day to him in almost a contrite mood.
"I've begun to ingratiate Sarah," said she, "I believe I'm rather liking the experience."
Mr. Leighton knew better than to lecture her at all. He thought indeed that signs of relenting would not readily occur between either of them.
"Goodness is an admirable habit," he said lightly.
She thanked him for having fallen into her mood by this much.
"Well, anyhow, a little exhibition of it on my part has evidently been a welcome tonic to Sarah," she said.
Mabel and Jean found her easier than of yore. Only Elma carried the reserve formed by what she had gone through into the present moment of rapture. They made Mabel play and Jean sing, and Adelaide Maud and Jean performed a duet together.
Cuthbert pranced about and applauded heavily, and Adelaide Maud swung her crisp skirts and bowed low in a professional manner.
"If I can't sing," said she, "I can bow. So do you mind if I do it again?" So she bowed again.