Georgie was always neat; but Mrs.Williams noticed that he exhibited unusual gloss and polish to-day.

As for his expression, it was a shade too complacent under the circumstances, though, for that matter, perfect tact avoids an air of triumph under any circumstances.
Mrs.Williams was pleased to observe that Sam and Penrod betrayed no resentment whatever; they seemed to have accepted defeat in a good spirit and to be inclined to make the best of Georgie.

Indeed, they appeared to be genuinely excited about him--it was evident that their cordiality was eager and wholehearted.
The three boys conferred for a few moments; then Sam disappeared round the house and returned, waving his hand and nodding.

Upon that, Penrod took Georgie's left arm, Sam took his right, and the three marched off to the backyard in a companionable way that made Mrs.Williams feel it had been an excellent thing to interfere a little in Georgie's interest.
Experiencing the benevolent warmth that comes of assisting in a good action, she ascended to an apartment upstairs, and, for a couple of hours, employed herself with needle and thread in sartorial repairs on behalf of her husband and Sam.

Then she was interrupted by the advent of a coloured serving-maid.
"Miz Williams, I reckon the house goin' fall down!" this pessimist said, arriving out of breath.