Jean, it is true, had still a soul for other things. She moaned for her Slavska on every occasion. She rushed to mirrors in agony lest her chin or throat muscles were getting into disrepair, and she talked already of having to renew her lessons. "You are just like a cheap motor," said Betty at last, "always having to be done up. Why don’t you keep on being a credit to your method like the expensive machines? They don’t rattle themselves to bits in a week." Betty was getting a little out of patience with life. "I’ve had a ghastly time of it," she admitted to Mabel. "All the spunk is out of Elma, you know, and what with her being ill and Isobel engaged, I’ve led a lonely life. And now Jean can’t talk of anything but her Slavska. I hate the man." When Jean was not talking about Slavska, she was sending boxes of flowers to the club girls. Reams of thanks in long letters came by the morning posts. There was no doubt of the popularity of Jean. "I should never be in deadly fear now of having to get on alone in life," she said. "There’s such comfort in girls, you can’t think." Mabel had always remained a little more outside that radiantly friendly crowd, yet had quite as admiring a following. Mr. Leighton unendingly congratulated himself for letting them both have the experience. "Though never again," he declared, "never again, will I allow one of you away from home." Then occurred Cuthbert’s engagement. In a curious way it comforted Mr. Leighton. He was acquiring another daughter. Adelaide Maud loved that view of it best of all. "If Mr. Leighton had been against me, I should have refused you," she explained to Cuthbert. "You mean that I should," he corrected her. "Now what I am about to propose----" "Are you really going to propose, dear?" asked Adelaide Maud innocently. Cuthbert grinned. "You are to be married to me in the autumn," said he. Adelaide Maud cogitated. "Well, failing a real proposal, a command of this sort may take its place. I shall endeavour to be ready for you in the autumn." "They are the funniest pair," said Jean; "Helen is so cool and Cuthbert so domineering! And I used to be so stuck on engagements," she sighed. All the girls were in Elma’s room, where Isobel tried on some of her finery. Elma lay on the couch at the window. She had had her trip with Mr. and Mrs. Leighton, and had come home with some colour and a good deal more vitality. Yet still there was much to be desired. Dr. Merryweather thundered out advice about the wedding.