Jeanne explained as best she could.
“My child,” said her illustrious friend, “you have discovered a great truth. You know the secret of happiness. Or do you? What is it that makes us happy?”
“Doing things for others.”
“Ah, that is but half of it! You know the rest, but you do not tell me. The other part is to allow others to do things for you. Doing things for others and refusing to accept benefits in return is the most selfish unselfishness the world knows.
“Ah, but your Golden Circle! What a beautiful name!
“Tell me,” she demanded quite suddenly, after a moment of silence, “Do they say that I am a great prima donna?”
“They tell me,” said Jeanne quite frankly, “that you are the greatest of all.”
“But they do not tell you that I have a great voice?”
“N—no.” The dancer’s eyes and her tone told her reluctance.
“Ah, no,” the great one sighed, “they will never say that! It would not be true.