"Let's look at it, Mahla. Do piece work--three men--how many days? It's that same old firm of A, B, and C. How long suppose they've been in company? I just believe they set up a shop in the ark?" Mahla laughed a little, the first time for that day; and it did her good. "Well, now, if those old patriarchs A, B, and C--" But we will not follow Grace in her explanation. She never wearied till Mahla's eyes brightened, and she cried out, "O, how stupid! Why couldn't I see that before? You make things so clear! You do beat everything in arithmetic, Gracie!" Then Mahla laid aside her slate and book with a smile of heartfelt satisfaction, and made ready to eat her dinner of plain bread and butter and Dutch cheese. Grace dropped an orange into her basket. "Good by, Mahla. If you have any more trouble with those horrid questions, let me know, please. Remember, we belong to the Ruby Seal and are bound to help one another." Mahla looked up with a face full of joy and gratitude, and tried to speak her thanks. But a swelling in her throat choked her voice. Grace felt strangely happy as she bounded out of the school-yard; yet the exquisite joy which throbbed at her heart, and called tears to her eyes, was not so much happiness as blessedness. She had obeyed the Saviour's Golden Rule in a sweet, unselfish spirit, and had her reward. Just outside the gate she met Isa Harrington, who had been waiting for her impatiently. "What did keep you so long, Gracie?" "O, I was talking with Mahla," replied Grace, who did not care to make a parade of her generous deeds. "It's right kind in you to take so much notice of Dutch girls," pursued Isa, who was extremely anxious to make the most of Cassy's absence, and win Grace's favor as far as she could, not caring how much flattery she used for the purpose. "Why, Isa, she's a respectable German--Mahla is." "O, yes, Gracie; but her ma used to work at your house before she was married. Wouldn't catch Cassy Hallock making so much of their hired girl's children. One of the kid-glove sort Cassy is, or would be if she was only rich." "Not proud, Isa Harrington." Isa cleared her throat. "Deary me, no! I declare, I forgot I was talking to _you!_ You'll never hear a word against Cassy, and I don't blame you, Grace Clifford." Grace's joyous mood changed; she looked vexed. Why would Isa persist in saying little hateful things, which pricked like cambric needles? "We girls would like to see Cassy Hallock stand up so for you--that's all," added Isa, shutting her mouth firmly, as if her teeth were all on edge. "Well, so she would. Cassy never would hear me abused. She's not a milk-and-water sort of person; and that you know, Isa Harrington!" Isa cleared her throat again with a provoking cough, which said, as plainly as words, "O, couldn't I tell you something surprising if I only would!" "Isa Harrington," said Grace, impetuously, "what's that you say?" "I said nothing at all," replied Isa, demurely.