When Selma generously donates her pet calf to the impoverished farmer, the townspeople in general, and Martinius in particular, follow suit, prompting Viola to reconsider her harsh views on country life and retract her letter of resignation to the school board.
The act of Selma giving away her pet calf to the poor farmer, who is also aided by the general townspeople and Martinius, triggers a change in Viola's perspective on country living and causes her to withdraw her resignation letter from the school board.