Gloria’s mind did not shift promptly to the new subject, but, at any rate, she was not open for any more public engagements. Even Jack would have to be cared for independently now.
“I hope your friend, Miss Morgan, is having a pleasant day. Would you care to have her stay over night?” asked Miss Alton, next.
“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that,” Gloria brightened. “The day has been—so confusing, I’d love to have dear Jane make a little visit. And oh, Miss Alton,” (she was all Gloria now,) “I do believe she would be glad to take care of Jack. She’s a wonderful nurse and just hates not to be useful.”
“Really, could she?”
“I don’t see why not?” New interest chased the shadows.
“Why, you dear girl, it does seem you are the very soul of resourcefulness. If she would just be within call during the night. But are you sure she wouldn’t think we were imposing?”
“Jane knows, she never guesses,” replied Gloria, smiling away any mistaken inference. “And please, Miss Alton, don’t mind about the essay. Jane would say one sacrifice brings two rewards. That’s her cheerful logic, and I’ve been brought up on it. So, after all, perhaps there is some—reward just lurking in the background.” The speech was unlike Gloria’s. She never affected the “smiling through” attitude, unless she was on her way “through,” and couldn’t turn back, but now she felt the necessity of assuming a tone of true politeness. Miss Alton was really contrite for having delayed the essay work, and again tried to discover a way to make up for it, but it was obviously impossible.
“Then let me tell you, my dear,” said the woman accepting the conclusion, “that I understand and appreciate your heroism, and whether there is or not a reward in the background, as you say, you may always remember, that your first real loss at boarding school entailed a noble sacrifice. Quietly and even without there being a possibility of applause from the girls, as was the case in the rescue from the lake, you have given up a chance to win real distinction, for this competition is, as you know, a notable event. But you have let it go by for the sake of helping poor little Jack. Even she will not know what you have given up, but your own heart and your own conscience will be immeasurably benefited. I know this sounds like a Friday morning lecture,” the principal smiled as she remarked, “but——” Suddenly the “lecture” was concluded, silently with a loving arm crushing affection upon Gloria’s unsteady shoulder while Jane’s promised reward, in the shape of happy satisfaction, broke through the shadows.
“Thank you, Miss Alton,” murmured Gloria. “It has been worth while.”
“And about Miss Morgan, your devoted Jane,” Miss Alton changed her tone to suit the happier prospect. “Would you really like to ask her to stay over?”