And then something extraordinary happened.

One by one, diners around the room began to clap. First softly, then louder, until the entire restaurant was on its feet, applauding—not for the wealthy women with their jewels, but for the trembling young woman who had endured their cruelty with grace.

The women, faces flushed, gathered their handbags and left in haste, the echo of applause following them all the way to the door.

The Lesson That Lingered