"Well, mummy, it was mean. We've always gone together before, and now Mabel won't go with one of us."
"Not if you behave in this manner," said Mrs. Leighton. "I do not like any of my girls to be spiteful, you know."
"Spiteful!" exclaimed Jean. She ran rapid fingers in and out the lengthening braid of hair, till long ends were brought in front. She put these energetically in her mouth, while she hunted for the ribbon lying by her.
"Oh, Jean," said Mrs. Leighton, "I've asked you so often not to do that."
"Sorry, mummy," said Jean, disengaging the ends abruptly.
Mrs. Leighton sat down rather heavily on a chair.
"You didn't say you were sorry for being spiteful," she remarked gravely.
"Well, mummy, are we spiteful, that's the question?"
Elma sat on a bed, looking specially tragic.
"It's awful to be left out of things now by Mabel," she said.