In this episode, we're introduced to two characters who will become recurring: Sally Potts, daughter of town gossip Clara Potts, and Jasper Dale, local eccentric genius. At the start of the episode, the school is trying to raise money to buy books for their library and are hosting a magic lantern show. This proves a popular idea, with lots of the townspeople purchasing tickets in advance. Unfortunately, the projectionist they've hired for the show turns out to be a scoundrel who absconds with the proceeds, and they are left with no show and no money. Sarah, who feels guilty because she inadvertently abetted the projectionist in making his getaway, attempts various schemes to make up the lost money including door-to-door canvassing, which proves a bust.
This is a fine follow up episode to the pilot, and introduces us, as mentioned, to Sally Potts, who will remain in the show as an occasional antagonist for all seven seasons. More importantly, we meet Jasper Dale (an actual character in The Story Girl) who will become very important in the series as time goes on... especially to Sarah's Aunt Olivia (wink, wink). He is played to awkward perfection by R.H. Thomson.