Imaginary people were the best companions after all. They did exactly what one expected them to do. It seemed rather selfish that Cuthbert should hang on to the handkerchief. But of course they would never have even seen it had it not been for the accident. She surrendered all ownership at the thought, and then gladly poured tea for the domineering Cuthbert. "You are a decent little soul, Elma," said he. "And you are very extraasperating," said Elma. CHAPTER VI The Mayonnaise The girls gave a party to celebrate the recovery of Cuthbert. They were allowed to do this on one condition, that they made everything for it themselves. This was Mr. Leighton’s idea, and it found rapturous approval in the ranks of the family, and immediate rebellion in the heart of Mrs. Leighton. It was her one obstinacy that she should retain full hold of the reins of housekeeping. Once let a lot of girls into the kitchen, and where are you? "Once let a lot of girls grow up with no kind of responsibility in life, and where are you then?" asked Mr. Leighton. "I don’t want my girls to drift. No man is really healthy unless he is striving after something, if it’s only after finding a new kind of beetle. I don’t see how a girl can be healthy without a definite occupation." "They make their beds, and they have their music," sighed Mrs. Leighton. "Girls in my day didn’t interfere with the housekeeping." "I’ve thought about their music," said Mr. Leighton. "I’m glad they have it. But it isn’t life, you know. A drawing-room accomplishment isn’t life. I want them to be equipped all round. Not just by taking classes either. Classes end by making people willing to be taught, but the experiences of life make them very swift to learn. We can’t have them sitting dreaming about husbands for ever. Dreams and ideals are all very well, but one scamps the realities if one goes on at them too long. Elma means to marry a duke, you know. Isn’t it much better that in the meantime she should learn to make a salad?" "The servants will be so cross," said Mrs. Leighton. She invariably saw readily enough where she must give in, but on these occasions she never gave in except with outward great unwillingness. "Oh, perhaps not," said Mr. Leighton. "They have dull enough lives themselves. I’m sure it will be rather fun for them to see Mabel making cakes." "Mabel can’t make cakes," exclaimed Mrs. Leighton. Her professional talents were really being questioned here. Throughout the length and breadth of the country, nobody made cakes like Mrs. Leighton. Mr. Leighton grew a little bit testy. "You know, my dear, if this house were a business concern it would be your duty to take your eldest daughter into partnership at this stage. As it is, you seem to want to keep her out for ever." Mrs. Leighton sighed heavily.