JEWEL

A CHAPTER IN HER LIFE

By Clara Louise Burnham

TO F. W. R. MY FIRST INSPIRATION THIS STORY IS OFFERED IN LOVINGACKNOWLEDGMENT

 PREPARER'S NOTE

 This text was prepared from a 1903 edition, published by Grosset & Dunlap, New York. 

CONTENTS

 I. THE NEW COACHMAN II. THE CHICAGO LETTER III. MOTHER AND DAUGHTER IV. FATHER AND SON V. BON VOYAGE VI. JEWEL'S ARRIVAL VII. THE FIRST EVENING VIII. A HAPPY BREAKFAST IX. A SHOPPING EXPEDITION X. THE RAVINE XI. DR. BALLARD XII. THE TELEGRAM XIII. IN THE LIBRARY XIV. FAMILY AFFAIRS XV. A RAINY MORNING XVI. THE FIRST LESSON XVII. JEWEL'S CORRESPONDENCE XVIII. ESSEX MAID XIX. A MORNING DRIVE XX. BY THE BROOKSIDE XXI. AN EFFORT FOR TRUTH XXII. IN THE HARNESS ROOM XXIII. MRS. EVRINGHAM'S CALLER XXIV. THE RAVINE GARDEN XXV. MUTUAL SURPRISES XXVI. ON WEDNESDAY EVENING XXVII. A REALIZED HOPEXXVIII. AT TWILIGHT

JEWEL

CHAPTER I

THE NEW COACHMAN

"Now you polish up those buckles real good, won't you, 'Zekiel? I willsay for Fanshaw, you could most see your face in the harness always. "

The young fellow addressed rubbed away at the nickel plating goodhumoredly, although he had heard enough exhortations in the lasttwenty-four hours to chafe somewhat the spirit of youth. His mother, alarge, heavy woman, stood over him, her face full of care. 

"It's a big change from driving a grocery wagon to driving a gentleman'scarriage, 'Zekiel. I do hope you sense it. "

"You'd make a bronze image sense it, mother, " answered the young man, smiling broadly. "You might sit and sermonize just as well, mightn'tyou? Sitting's as cheap as standing, "--he cast a glance around the cleanspaces of the barn in search of a chair, --"or if you'd rather go andattend to your knitting, I've seen harness before, you know. "

"I'm not sure as you've ever handled a gentleman's harness in your life, 'Zekiel Forbes. "

"It's a fact they don't wear 'em much down Boston way. "

His mother regarded his shock of light hair with repressed fondness. 

"It was a big responsibility I took when I asked Mr. Evringham to letyou try the place, " she said solemnly, "and I'm going to do my best tohelp you fill it. It does seem almost a providence the way Fanshaw'slivery fits you; and if you'll hold yourself up, I may be partial, butit seems to me you look better in it than he ever did; and I'm sure ifhandsome is as handsome does, you'll fill it better every way, even ifhe _was_ a fashionable English coachman. Mrs. Evringham was so pleasedwith his style she tried to have him kept even after he'd taken too muchfor the second time; but Mr. Evringham valued his horses too highly forthat, I can tell you. "

"Thought the governor was a widower still, " remarked Ezekiel as hismother drew forward a battered chair and dusted it with the huge apronthat covered her neat dress. She seated herself close to her boy. 

"Of course he is, " she returned with some asperity. "Why should he getmarried with such a home as he's got? Fifteen years I've kept house forMr. Evringham. I don't believe but what he'd say that in all that timehe's never found his beef overdone or a button off his shirts. "

"Humph!" grunted Ezekiel. "He looks as if he wouldn't mind hanging youto the nearest tree if he did. I heard tell once that there was a coldhell as well as a hot one. Think says I, when the governor was lookingme over the other day, 'You've set sail for the cold place, old boy. '"

"Zeke Forbes, don't you ever let me hear you say such a thing again!"exclaimed Mrs. Forbes. "Mr. Evringham is the finest gentleman within onehundred miles of New York city. When a man has spent his life in WallStreet it's bound to show some in his face, of course; but what comforthas that man ever known?"

"Pretty scrumptious place he's got here in this park, I notice, "returned the new coachman. 

"Yes, he has a breath of fresh air before he goes to the city and afterhe gets back every day. Isn't that Essex Maid of his a beauty?" Mrs. Forbes cast her eyes towards the stalls where the shining flanks of twohorses were visible from her seat by the wide-open doors of the barn. "His rides back there among the hills, "--Mrs. Forbes waved her handvaguely toward the tall trees waving in the spring sunshine, --"are hisone pleasure; and he never tires of them. You will find the horseshere something different to groom from those common grocery horses inBoston. "

"Oh, I don't know, " drawled 'Zekiel, teasingly. 

"Then you'd better know, young man, " emphatically. "And, Zeke, what'sthe names of those carriages?" pointing with sudden energy at two halfshrouded vehicles. 

"How many guesses do I get?"

"Guessing ain't going to do. Do you know, or don't you?"

"Know? Why, " leniently, "bless your heart, mother, don't you s'pose Iknow a buggy and a carryall when I see 'em?"

"Oh, you poor benighted grocery boy!" Mrs. Forbes raised her hands. "What a mercy I mentioned it! Imagine Mrs. Evringham hearing you ask ifshe'd have the buggy or the carryall! 'Zekiel, " solemnly, "listen to me. That tall one's a spider, and the other's a broom. There! Do you hearme? A _spider_ and a _broom_!"

Ezekiel's merry eyes met the anxious ones with a twinkle. 

"Who'd have thought it!" he responded. 

"Now then, Zeke, " anxiously, "it's my responsibility. I recommended you. I want you should say 'em off as glib as Fanshaw did. Now then, which iswhich?"

"Mother, didn't you tell me that the late lamented was not aprohibitionist?"

"Fanshaw drank like a fish, if that's what you mean. "

"Well, just because he saw things in this barn you needn't expect me to!Poor chap! Spiders and brooms! He must have been glad to go. "

Mrs. Forbes' earnest expression did not change. "'Zekiel, don't youtease, now! We haven't got time. I want you to make such a success ofthis that you'll stay with me. You can't think how I felt when I wokeup this morning and thought the first thing, 'Zeke's here. ' Why, I'vescarcely kept acquainted with you for fifteen years. Scarcely saw youexcept for a few weeks in the summer time. Now I've got you again!"

"I ain't the only thing you've got again, " grinned 'Zekiel, "if you'regoing to see things, same as Fanshaw did. "

Thus reminded, the housekeeper looked back at the phaeton and thebrougham. "Be a good boy, Zeke, " coaxingly, "and don't forget now, because Mrs. Evringham is a great stickler--and a great sticker, too, "added Mrs. Forbes in a different tone. 

"Who _is_ the old woman, if the governor isn't married?" asked Ezekielwith not very lively interest. "She don't seem popular with you. "

"I'll tell you who she is, " returned his mother in a low, emphatic tone. "she's just what I say--a sticker and an interloper. "

"H'm! Shouldn't wonder if the green-eyed monster had got after mamma, "soliloquized the youth aloud. "Somebody else sews on the buttons now, perhaps. "

"'Zekiel Forbes, we must have an understanding right off. You've got tojoke and tease, I s'pose, but it can't be about Mr. Evringham. This islike a law of the Medes and Persians, and I want you should understandit. The more you see of him the less you'll dare to joke about him. "

"I told you he scared me stiff, " acknowledged Zeke, running the harnessthrough his hands to discover another dingy spot. 

"Well, he'd _better_. Now I wouldn't gossip to you of my employer'saffairs--I hope we're better than two common servants--but I want you tobe as loyal to him as I am, and to understand a few of the reasons whyhe can't go giggling around like some folks. "

"Great Scott!" interpolated the young coachman. "Mr. Evringham gogiggling around! So would Bunker Hill monument!"

"Listen to me, Zeke. Mr. Evringham has had two sons. His wife died whenthe oldest, Lawrence, was fifteen. Well, both those boys disappointedhim. Lawrence when he was twenty-one married secretly a widow older thanhimself, who had a little girl named Eloise. Mr. Evringham made the bestof it, and helped him along in business. Lawrence became a broker andhad made and lost a fortune when he died at the age of thirty-five. "

"Broke himself, did he?" remarked the irrepressible 'Zekiel. 

"Yes, he did. Here we were, living in peace and comfort, --my employerat sixty a man of settled habits and naturally very set in his ways andsatisfied with his home and the way I had run it for him for fifteenyears, --when three blows fell on him at once. Firstly his son Lawrencefailed and was ruined; secondly he died; and thirdly his widow and herdaughter nineteen years old came here a couple of months ago and settledon Mr. Evringham, and here they've stayed ever since! I don't think theyhave an idea of going away. " Mrs. Forbes's eyes snapped. "Such an upsetas it was! I couldn't show how I felt, of course, for it was so muchworse for him than it was for me. He had never cared for Mrs. Evringham, and scarcely knew the girl who called him 'grandfather' without an atomof right. "

"Hard lines, " observed 'Zekiel. "Does the girl call herself Evringham?"

"Does she?" with scorn. "Well I guess she does. Of course she was onlyfour when her mother married Lawrence, and I guess she was fond ofher stepfather and he of her, because he never had any children; butsometimes I ask myself, is it going on forever? I only hope Eloise'llget married soon. "

'Zekiel dropped the harness to arrange imaginary curls on his templesand pat the tie on his muscular neck. "If she's pretty I'm willing, " heresponded. 

His mother shook her head absently. "Then there was Mr. Evringham'syounger son, a regular roving ne'er-do-well. He didn't like Wall Streetand he went West to Chicago. He was a rolling stone, first in oneposition and then in another; then he got married, and after a few yearshe rolled away altogether. All Mr. Evringham knows about him and hisfamily is that he had one child. Harry wrote a few letters about hiswife Julia and the baby, at the time it was born, and Mr. Evringham senta present of money; then the letters ceased until one day the wife wrotehim frantically that her husband had disappeared and begged to knowwhere he was. Mr. Evringham knew nothing about him and wrote her so, andthat is the last he's heard. So you see if he looks cold and hard, he'shad enough to make him so. "

"H'm!" ejaculated 'Zekiel. "He don't give the impression of lyin' awakenights wondering how his deserted daughter-in-law and the kid make out. "

"Why should he?" retorted Mrs. Forbes sharply. "His two boys acted asselfish to him as boys could. He's a disappointed, humiliated man inthat proud heart of his. He's been hunted out and harrowed up in thispeaceful retreat, when all he asked was to be let alone with his horsesand his golf clubs, and I think one daughter-in-law's enough underthe circumstances. I have some respect for Mrs. Harry, whoever she is, because she lets him alone. In all the long years we've spent here, whenhe often had no one to talk to but me, he's let me have a glimpse ofthese things, and I've told you so's you'd think right about him andserve him all the better. "

"He's got a look in his eyes like cold steel, " remarked Ezekiel, "andlines under 'em like they'd been drawn with steel; and his back's asflat and straight as if a steel rod took the place of a spine. Thatthick gray hair and mustache of his might be steel threads. "

"He's a splendid sight on horseback, " responded Mrs. Forbes devoutly. "His sons were neither of 'em ever the man he is. I'd like to protecthim from being imposed upon if such a thing was possible. "

"Sho!" drawled 'Zekiel. "Might's well talk about protecting abattleship. "

"Well, 'Zekiel Forbes, " returned his mother, her eyes bright, "can't youimagine a battleship hesitating to run down a little pleasure yacht withall its flags flying? And can't you imagine that hesitation costing thebattleship considerable precious time and money? You've said a good dealabout my sacrificing my room in the house and coming out here to fix alittle home for us both, upstairs in the barn chambers, but perhaps youcan see now that it isn't all sacrifice, that perhaps I'm glad of anexcuse to get out of the house, where things are so different from whatthey used to be, and to have a cosy home with my own boy. Now then, 'Zekiel, " coaxingly, these words recalling her boy's responsibilities, "look over there once more and tell me which of those is the spider. "

Zekiel dropped the harness and laid his hand gently on his mother'sforehead. "There isn't anything there, dear mother, " he said soothingly. 

"Zeke!" she exclaimed, jerking away with a short reluctant laugh. 

"'Mother, dear mother, come home with me now, '" he roaredsentimentally, so that Essex Maid lifted her beautiful head and lookedout in surprise. "Remember Fanshaw, and put more water in it afterthis, " he added, dropping his arm to his mother's neck and capturing herwith a hug. 

"'Zekiel!" she protested. "'Zekiel!"

CHAPTER II

THE CHICAGO LETTER

The mother was still laughing and struggling in the irresistibleembrace when both became aware that a third person was regarding them inopen-mouthed astonishment. 

"'Zekiel, let me _go_!" commanded the scandalized woman, and pushedherself free from her tormentor, who forthwith returned rathersheepishly to his buckles. 

The young man with trim-pointed beard and mirthful eyes, who stoodin the driveway, had just dismounted from a shining buggy. Doubt andastonishment were apparently holding him dumb. 

The housekeeper, smoothing her disarranged locks and much flushed offace, returned his gaze, rising from her chair. 

"I couldn't believe it was you, Mrs. Forbes!" declared the newcomer. "Fanshaw isn't--" He looked around vaguely. 

"No, he isn't, Dr. Ballard, " returned Mrs. Forbes shortly. "He forgot torub down Essex Maid one evening when she came in hot, and that finishedhim with Mr. Evringham. "

The young doctor's lips twitched beneath his mustache as he looked at'Zekiel, polishing away for dear life. 

"You seem to have some one else here--some friend, " he remarkedtentatively. 

"Friend!" echoed the housekeeper with exasperation, feeling to see justhow much Zeke had rumpled her immaculate collar. "We looked like friendswhen you came up, didn't we!"

"Like intimate friends, " murmured the doctor, still looking curiously atthe big fair-haired fellow, who was crimson to his temples. 

"I don't know how long we shall continue friends if he ever grabs meagain like that just after I've put on a clean collar. He's got beyondthe place where I can correct him. I ought to have done it oftener whenI had the chance. This is my boy 'Zekiel, Dr. Ballard, " with a proudglance in the direction of the youth, who looked up and nodded, thencontinued his labors. "Mr. Evringham has engaged him on trial. He's beenwith horses a couple of years, and I guess he'll make out all right. "

"Glad to know you, 'Zekiel, " returned the doctor. "Your mother has beena good friend of mine half my life, and I've often heard her speak ofyou. Look out for my horse, will you? I shall be here half an hour orso. "

When the doctor had moved off toward the house Mrs. Forbes nodded at herson knowingly. 

"Might's well walk Hector into the barn and uncheck him, Zeke, " shesaid. "They'll keep him more'n a half an hour. That young man, 'ZekielForbes, --that young man's my _hope_. " Mrs. Forbes spoke impressively andshook her forefinger to emphasize her words. 

"What you hoping about him?" asked 'Zekiel, laying down the harness andproceeding to lead the gray horse up the incline into the barn. 

"Shouldn't wonder a mite if he was our deliverer, " went on Mrs. Forbes. "I saw it in Mrs. Evringham's eye that he suited her, the first nightthat she met him here at dinner. I like him first-rate, and I don't meanhim any harm; but he's one of these young doctors with plenty of moneyat his back, bound to have a fashionable practice and succeed. His faceis in his favor, and I guess he knows as much as any of 'em, and hecan afford the luxury of a wife brought up the way Eloise Evringham hasbeen. That's right, Zeke. Unfasten the check-rein, though the doctordon't use a mean one, I must say. I only hope there's a purgatory forthe folks that use too short check-reins on their horses. I hope they'llhave to wear 'em themselves for a thousand years, and have to standwaiting at folks' doors frothing at the mouth, and the back of theirnecks half breaking when the weather's down to zero and up to a hundred. That's what I hope!"

'Zekiel grinned. "You want 'em to try the cold place and the hot onetoo, do you?"

"Yes I do, and to stay in the one that hurts the most. The man that usesa decent check-rein on his horse, " continued Mrs. Forbes, dropping intoa philosophizing tone, "is apt to be as decent to his wife. The doctorwould be a great catch for that girl, and I _think_, " dropping hervoice, "her mother'd be liable to live with 'em. "

"You're keeping that dark from the doctor, I s'pose?" remarked 'Zekiel. 

"H'm. You needn't think I go chattering around that house the way I doout here. I've got a great talent, if I do say it, for minding my ownbusiness. "

"Good enough, " drawled 'Zekiel. "I heard tell once of a firm that made agreat fortune just doing that one thing. "

"Don't you be sassy now. I've always waited on Mr. Evringham while heate his meals, and that's the time he'd often speak out to me aboutthings if he felt in the humor, so that in all these years 't isn't anywonder if I've come to feel that his business is mine too. "

"Just so, " returned 'Zekiel, with a twinkle in his eye. 

"It's been as plain as your nose that the interlopers don't like to haveme there. Not that they have anything special against me, but they'dlike to have someone younger and stylisher to hand them their plates. I'll never forget one night when they'd been here about a week, and Ithink Mr. Evringham had begun to suspect they were fixtures, --I'd feltit from the first, --Mrs. Evringham said, 'Why father, does Mrs. Forbesalways wait on your table? I had supposed she was temporarily taking theplace of your butler or your waitress. '"

The housekeeper's effort to imitate the airy manner she rememberedcaused her son to chuckle as he gathered up the shining harness. 

"You should have seen the look Mr. Evringham gave her. Just as if hedidn't see her at all. 'Yes, ' he answered, 'I hope Mrs. Forbes will waiton my table as long as I have one. ' And I will if I have my health, "added the speaker, bridling with renewed pleasure at the memory of thattriumphant moment. "They think I'm a machine without any feelings oropinions, and that I've been wound up to suit Mr. Evringham and runhis establishment, and that I'm no more to be considered than the bigWestminster clock on the stairs. Mrs. Evringham did try once to get intomy employer's rooms and look after his clothes. " Mrs. Forbes shook herhead and tightened her lips at some recollection. 

"She bucked up against the machine, did she?" inquired Zeke. 

The housekeeper glanced around to see if any one might be approaching. 

"I saw her go in there, and I followed her, " she continued almost in awhisper. "She sort of started, but spoke up in her cool way, 'I wish tolook over father's clothes and see if anything needs attention. ''Thank you, Mrs. Evringham, but everything is in order, ' I said, veryrespectful. 'Well, leave it for me next time, Mrs. Forbes, ' she says. 'I shall take care of him while I am here. ' 'Thank you, ' says I, 'buthe wouldn't want your visit interfered with by that kind of work. ' Shelooked at me sort of suspicious and haughty. 'I prefer to do it, ' sheanswers, trying to look holes in me with her big eyes. 'Then will youask him, please, ' said I very polite, 'before I give you the keys, because we've got into habits here. I've taken care of Mr. Evringham'sclothes for fifteen years. ' She looked kind of set back. 'Is it solong?' she asks. 'Well, I will see about it. ' But I guess the right timefor seeing about it never came, " added the housekeeper knowingly. 

"You're still doing business at the old stand, eh?" rejoined Zeke. "Well, I'm glad you like your job. It's my opinion that the governor'sharder--"

"Ahem, ahem!" Mrs. Forbes cleared her throat with desperate loudnessand tugged at her son's shirt sleeve with an energy which caused him towheel. 

Coming up the sunny driveway was a tall man with short, scrupulouslybrushed iron-gray hair, and sweeping mustache. The lines under his eyeswere heavy, his glance was cold. His presence was dignified, commanding, repellent. 

The housekeeper and coachman both stood at attention, the lattermechanically pulling down his rolled-up sleeves. 

"So you're moving out here, Mrs. Forbes, " was the remark with which thenewcomer announced himself. 

"Yes, Mr. Evringham. The man has been here to put in the electric bellyou ordered. I shall be as quick to call as if I was still in the house, sir, and I thank you--'Zekiel and I both do--for consenting to my makingit home-like for him. Perhaps you'd come up and see the rooms, sir?"

"Not just now. Some other time. I hope 'Zekiel is going to prove himselfworth all this trouble. "

The new coachman's countenance seemed frozen into a stolidity which didnot alter. 

"I'm sure he'll try, " replied his mother, "and Fanshaw's livery fits himto such a turn that it would have been flying in the face of Providencenot to try him. Did you give orders to be met at this train, sir?" Mrs. Forbes looked anxiously toward the set face of her heir. 

"No--I came out unexpectedly. I have received news that is ratherperplexing. "

The housekeeper had not studied her employer's moods for years withoutunderstanding when she could be of use. 

"I will come to the house right off, " was her prompt response. "It's apity you didn't know the bell was in, sir. "

"No, stay where you are. I see Dr. Ballard is here. We might beinterrupted. You can go, 'Zekiel. "

The young fellow needed no second invitation, but turned and mounted thestairway that led to the chambers above. 

Mr. Evringham took from his pocket a bunch of papers, and selecting aletter handed it to Mrs. Forbes, motioning her to the battered chair, which was still in evidence. He seated himself on the stool Zeke hadvacated, while his housekeeper opened and read the following letter:--

CHICAGO, April 28, 19--. 

DEAR FATHER, --The old story of the Prodigal Son has always plentyof originality for the Prodigal. I have returned, and thank Heavensincerely I do not need to ask you for anything. My blessed girl Juliahas supported herself and little Jewel these years while I've beenfeeding on husks. I don't see now how I was willing to be so revoltinglycruel and cowardly as to leave her in the lurch, but she has madefriends and they have stood by her, and now I've been back sinceSeptember, doing all in my power to make up what I can to her and Jewel, as we call little Julia. They were treasures to return to such as Ideserved to have lost forever; but Julia treats me as if I'd been whiteto her right all along. I've lately secured a position that I hope tokeep. My wife has been dressmaking, and this is something in the drygoods line that I got through her. The firm want us to go to Europeto do some buying. They will pay the expenses of both; but that leavesJewel. I've heard that Lawrence's wife and daughter are living with you. I wondered if you'd let us bring Jewel as far as New York and drop herwith you for the six weeks that we shall be gone. If we had a littlemore ahead we'd take the child with us. She is eight years old andwouldn't be any trouble, but cash is scarce, and although we could boardher here with some friend, I'd like to have her become acquainted withher grandfather, and I thought as Madge and Eloise were with you, theywould look after her if Mrs. Forbes is no longer there. This has allcome about very suddenly, and we sail next Wednesday on the Scythia, soI'll be much obliged if you will wire me. I shall be glad to shake yourhand again. 

Your repentant son, HARRY. 

Mrs. Forbes looked up from the letter to find her employer's eyes uponher. Her lips were set in a tight line. 

"Well?" he asked. 

"I'd like to ask first, sir, what you think of it?"

"It strikes me as very cool. Harry knows my habits. "

The housekeeper loosened the reins of her indignation. 

"The idea of your having a child here to clatter up and down the stairsat the very time you want to take a nap!" she burst forth. "You've hadenough to bear already. "

"A deal of company in the house as it is, eh?" he rejoined. It was thefirst reference he had ever made to his permanent guests. 

"It's what I was thinking, sir. "

"You're not for it, then, Mrs. Forbes?"

"So far as taking care of the child goes, I should do my duty. I don'tthink Mrs. Evringham or her daughter would wish to be bothered; but Iknow very little about children, except that your house is no place forthem to be racing in. One young one brings others. You would be annoyed, sir. Some folks can always ask favors. " The housekeeper's cheeks wereflushed with the strength of her repugnance, and her bias relieved Mr. Evringham's indecision. 

"I agree with you, " he returned, rising. "Tell 'Zekiel to saddle theMaid. After dinner I will let him take a telegram to the office. "

He returned to the house without further words, and Mrs. Forbes calledto her son in a voice that had a wrathful quaver. 

"What you got your back up about?" inquired Zeke softly, after a carefullook to see that his august master had departed. 

"Never you mind. Mr. Evringham wants you should saddle his horse andbring her round. I want he should see you can do it lively. "

"Ain't she a beaut'!" exclaimed Zeke as he led out the mare. "She'dought to be shown, she had. "

"Shown! Better not expose your ignorance where Mr. Evringham can hearyou. That mare's taken two blue ribbons already. "

"Showed they knew their business, " returned Zeke imperturbably. "Is'pose the old gent don't care any more for her than he does for hislife. "

"I guess he loves her the best of anything in this world. "

"Love! The governor love anything or anybody! That's good, " remarkedthe young fellow, while Essex Maid watched his movements about her withgentle, curious eyes. 

"I do believe she misses Fanshaw and notices the difference, " remarkedMrs. Forbes. 

"Glad to, too. Ain't you, my beauty? She's going to be stuck on mebefore we get through. She don't want any Britishers fooling aroundher. "

"You've certainly made her look fine, Zeke. I know Mr. Evringham will bepleased. She just shines from her pretty little ears to her hoofs. Takeher around and then come back. I want to talk to you. "

"If I don't come back, " returned the boy, "you'll know the governor'slooked at me a little too hard and I've been struck so. "

"Don't be any foolisher than you can help, " returned Mrs. Forbes, "andhurry. "

On 'Zekiel's return to the barn he saw that his mother's face wasportentous. "Lawrence was at least handsome like his father, " she beganwithout preamble, looking over Zeke's shoulder, "but Harry was as homelyas he was no account. I should think that man had enough of his sons'belongings hanging on him already. What do you think, 'Zekiel Forbes?Mr. Evringham's youngest son Harry has turned up again!"

"I should think it was the old Harry by your tone, " rejoined Zekeequably. 

"He and his wife, poor as church mice, are getting their expenses paidto Europe on business, and they have the nerve--yes, the cheek--to askMr. Evringham to let them leave their young one, a girl eight years old, with him while they're gone. "

"I hope it's a real courageous youngster, " remarked Zeke. 

"A child! A wild Western dressmaker's young one in Mr. Evringham'selegant house!"

"Is the old Harry a dressmaker?" asked Zeke mildly. 

"No, his wife is. His Julia! They've named this girl for her, and Isuppose they called her Jule, and then twisted it around to Jewel. Jewel!"

"When is she coming?" asked Zeke, seeing that he was expected to saysomething. 

"Coming? She isn't coming, " cried his mother irefully. "Not while Mr. Evringham has his wits. They haven't a particle of right to ask him. Harry has worried him to distraction already. The child would be sure totorment him. "

"He'd devour her the second day, then, " returned Zeke calmly. "It wouldbe soon over. "

CHAPTER III

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

Dr. Ballard had gone, and his hostesses were awaiting the summons todinner. Mrs. Evringham regarded her daughter critically as the girl satat the piano, idly running her fingers over the keys. 

The listlessness expressed in the fresh face and rounded figure broughta look of disapproval into the mother's eyes. 

"You must practice that nocturne, " she said. "You played it badly justnow, and there is no excuse for it, Eloise. "

"If you will let me give lessons I will, " responded the girl promptly, without turning her graceful, drooping head. 

The unexpected reply was startling. 

"What are you talking about?" asked Mrs. Evringham. 

"Oh, I'm so tired of it all, " replied the girl wearily. 

A frown contracted her mother's forehead. "Tired of what? Turn aroundhere!" She rose and put her hands on the pretty shoulders and turned herchild until the clear gray eyes met hers. "Now then, tired of what?"

Eloise smiled slightly, and sighed. "Of playing nocturnes to Dr. Ballard. "

"And he is quite as tired of hearing you, I dare say, " was the retort. "It seems to me you always stumble when you play to the doctor, and headores Chopin. "

Eloise continued to meet her mother's annoyed gaze, her hands fallen inher lap, all the lines of her nut-brown hair, her exquisite face, andpliable, graceful figure so many silent arguments, as they always were, against any one's harboring annoyance toward her. 

"You say he does, mother, and you have assured him of it so often thatthe poor man doesn't dare to say otherwise; but really, if you'd let himhave the latest Weber and Field hit, I think he would be so grateful. "

"Learn it then!" returned Mrs. Evringham. 

Eloise laughed lazily. "Intrepid little mother!" Then she added, in adifferent tone, "Don't you think there is any danger of our being tooobliging? I'm not the only girl in town whose mother wishes her tooblige Dr. Ballard. May we not overreach ourselves?"

"Eloise!" Mrs. Evringham's half-affectionate, half-remonstrating graspfell from her child's shoulders. "That remark is in very bad taste. "

The girl shook her head slowly. "I never can understand why it is anysatisfaction to you to pretend. You find comfort in pretending thatMr. Evringham likes to have us here, likes us to use his carriages, toreceive his friends, and all the rest of it. We've been here seven weeksand three days, and that little game of pretending is satisfying youstill. You are like the ostrich with its head in the sand. "

Mrs. Evringham drew her lithe figure up. "Well, Eloise, I hope there arelimits to this. To call your own mother an--an ostrich!"

"Don't speak so loud, " returned the girl, rising and patting hermother's hand. "Grandfather has returned from his ride. I just heard himcome in. It is too near dinner time for a scene. There is no need of ourpretending to each other, is there? You have always put me off and putme off, but surely you mean to bring this to an end pretty soon?"

"You could bring it to an end at once if you would!" returned Mrs. Evringham, her voice lowered. "Dr. Ballard has nothing to wait for. Iknow all about his circumstances. There never was such a providence asfather's having a friend like him ready to our hand--so suitable, soattractive, so rich!"

"Yes, " responded the girl low and equably, "it is just five weeks andtwo days that you have been throwing me at that man's head. "

"I have done nothing of the kind, Eloise Evringham. "

"Yes you have, " returned the girl without excitement, "and grandfathersneering at us all the time under his mustache. He knows that there areother girls and other mothers interested in Dr. Ballard more desirablethan we are. Oh! how easy it is to be more desirable than we are!"

"There isn't one girl in five hundred so pretty as you, " returned Mrs. Evringham stoutly. 

"I wish my prettiness could persuade you into my way of thinking. "

"What do you mean?" The glance of the older woman was keen andsuspicious. 

"We would take a cheap little apartment to-morrow, " said the girlwistfully. 

Mrs. Evringham gave an ejaculation of impatience. "And do all our ownwork and live like pigs!" she returned petulantly. 

Eloise shrugged her shoulders. "I may flatter myself, but I fancy Ishould keep it rather clean. "

"You wouldn't mind your hands then. " Mrs. Evringham regarded the handsworthy to be imitated by a sculptor's art, and the girl raised themand inspected the rose-tints of their tips. "I've read something aboutrubber gloves, " she returned vaguely. 

"You'd better read something else then. How do you suppose you would geton without a carriage?" asked her mother with exasperation. "You havenever had so much as a taste of privation in any form. Your suggestionis the acme of foolishness. "

"I think I could do something if you would let me, " rejoined the girlas calmly as before. "I think I could teach music pretty well, and keephouse charmingly. If I had any false pride when we came out here, thepast six weeks have purified me of it. Will you let me try, mother? I'masking it very seriously. "

"Certainly not!" hotly. "There are armies of music teachers now, and youwould not have a chance. "

"I think I could dress hair well, " remarked Eloise, glancing at thereflection in a mirror of her own graceful coiffure. 

"I dare say!" responded Mrs. Evringham with sarcastic heat, "or I'm sureyou could get a position as a waitress. The servant problem is growingworse every year. "

"I'd like to be your waitress, mother. " For the first time the girl losther perfect poise, and the color fluctuated in her cheek. She claspedher hands. "It would be heaven compared with the feeling, the sickening, appalling suspicion, that we are becoming akin to the adventuresses weread of, the pretty, luxurious women who live by their wits. "

"Silence!" commanded Mrs. Evringham, her eyes flashing and her effectiveblack-clothed figure drawn up. 

Eloise sighed again. "I didn't expect to accomplish anything by thistalk, " she said, relapsing into listlessness. 

"What did you expect then? Merely to be disagreeable? I hope you may beas successful in worthier undertakings. Now listen. Some of the plansyou have suggested at various times might be sensible if you were aplain girl. Your beauty is as tangible an asset as money would be; butbeauty requires money. You must have it. Your poor father might haveleft it to you, but he didn't; so you will marry it--not unsuitably, "meeting an ominous look in her child's eyes, "not without love or underany circumstances to make a martyr of you, but according to commonsense; and as a certain young man is evidently more and more certain ofhimself every time he comes"--she paused. 

"You think there is no need for him to grow more certain of me?" askedEloise. 

"You might have saved us the disagreeables of this interview. Andone thing more, " impressively, "you evidently are not taking intoconsideration, perhaps you never knew, that it was your grandfather'sconfidence in a certain course which induced your poor father to takethat last fatal flyer. Your grandfather feels--I'm sure he feels--thatmuch reparation is due us. The present conditions are easier for himthan a separate suitable home would be, therefore"--Mrs. Evringham wavedher hand. "It is strange, " she added, "that so young a girl should notrepose more trust in her mother's judgment. And now that we are on thesubject, I wish you would make more effort with your grandfather. Don'tbe so silent at table and leave all the talking to me. A man of hisage likes to have merry young people about. Chat, create a cheerfulatmosphere. He likes to look at you, of course, but you have been soquiet and lackadaisical of late, it is enough to hurt his feelings ashost. "

"He has never shown any symptoms of anxiety, " remarked Eloise. 

"Well, he is a very self-contained man. "

"He is indeed, poor grandfather; I don't know how you will manage, mother, when you have to play the game of 'pretend' all alone. He isgrowing tired of it, I can see. His courtesy is wearing very thin. I'msorry to make it harder for you by taking away what must have been alarge prop and support, but I heard papa say to himself more than oncein those last sad days, 'If I had only taken my father's advice. '"

"Eloise, " very earnestly, "you misunderstood, you certainlymisunderstood. "

The girl shook her head wearily. "No, alas! I neither misunderstand norforget, when it would be most convenient to do so. "

Mrs. Evringham's fair brow contracted as she regarded her daughter withexasperation. "And you are only nineteen! One would think it was youinstead of me to whom the next birthday would bring that detestedforty. "

The girl looked at her mother, whose youthful face and figure betrayedthe source of her own heritage of physical charm. 

"I long ago gave up the hope of ever again being as young as you are, "she returned sadly. "Oh!" with a rare and piteous burst of feeling, "if dear papa could have stayed with us, and we could have had a rightsomewhere!"

Mrs. Evringham threw her arms about the young creature, welcoming thesoftened mood. "You know I took you right to my own people, Eloise, " shesaid gently. "We stayed as long as I thought was right; they couldn'tafford to keep us. " A sound at the door caused her to turn. The erectform of her father-in-law had just entered the room. 

"Ah, good evening, father, " she said in tones whose sadness was notaltogether feigned, even though she secretly rejoiced that Eloise shouldfor once show such opportune emotion. "Pardon this little girl. She wasjust feeling overwhelmed with a pang of homesickness for her father. "

"Indeed!" returned Mr. Evringham. "Will you walk out? Mrs. Forbes tellsme that dinner is served. "

Eloise, hastily drawing her handkerchief across her eyes, passed theunbending figure, her cheeks stinging. His hard voice was in her ears. 

That she was not his son's child hurt her now as often before in thepast two months, but that he should have discovered her weeping at amoment when he might have been expected to enter was a keen hurt to herpride, and her heart swelled with a suspicion of his unspoken thoughts. She had never been effusive, she had never posed. He had no right tosuspect her. 

With her small head carried high and her cheeks glowing, she passedhim, following her mother, who floated on before with much satisfaction. These opportune tears shed by her nonconforming child should make theirstay good for another two months at least. 

"You must have had a beautiful ride, father, " said Mrs. Evringham asthey seated themselves at table. She spoke in the tone, at once assuredand ingratiating, which she always adopted toward him. "I noticed youtook an earlier start than usual. "

The speaker had never had the insight to discover that her father-in-lawwas ungrateful for proofs that any of his long-fixed, solitary habitswere now observed by feminine eyes. 

"I did take a rather longer ride than usual, " he returned. "Mrs. Forbes, I wish you would speak to the cook about the soup. It has been servedcool for the last two days. "

Mrs. Forbes flushed as she stood near his chair in her trim black gownand white apron. 

"Yes, sir, " she replied, the flush and quiet words giving littleindication of the tumult aroused within her by her employer'scriticism. To fail to please Mr. Evringham at his meals was the deepestmortification life held for her. 

"I'm sure it tastes very good, " said Mrs. Evringham amiably, "although Ilike a little more salt than your cook uses. "

"You can reach it I hope, " remarked the host, casting a glance at thedainty solitaire salt and pepper beside his daughter's plate. 

"But don't you like it cooked in?" she asked sweetly. 

"Not when I want to get it out, " he answered shortly. 

"How can mother, how can mother!" thought Eloise helplessly. 

"There is decided spring in the air to-day, " said Mrs. Evringham. "Iremember of old how charmingly spring comes in the park. "

"You have a good memory, " returned Mr. Evringham dryly. 

"Why do you say that?" asked the pretty widow, lifting large, innocenteyes. 

"It is some years since you accompanied Lawrence in his calls upon me, Ibelieve. "

"Poor father!" thought Mrs. Evringham, "how unpleasantly blunt he hasgrown, living here alone!"

"I scarcely realize it, " she returned suavely. "My recollection of thepark is always so clear. It is surprising, isn't it, how relatives canlive as near together as we in New York and you out here and see oneanother so seldom! Life in New York, " sighing, "was such a rush forus. Here amid the rustle of the trees it seems to be scarcely the sameworld. Lawrence often said his only lucid intervals were during therides he took with Eloise in Central Park. Do you always ride alone, father?"

"Always, " was the prompt rejoinder, while Eloise cast a glance full ofappeal at her mother. 

The latter continued archly, "If you could see Eloise on a horse youwould not blame me for trying to screw up my courage, as I have beendoing for days past, to ask you if she might take a canter on Essex Maidin the morning, sometimes, while you are away. Fanshaw assured me thatshe would be perfectly safe. "

Mr. Evringham's cold eyes stared, and then the enormity of theproposition appeared to move him humorously. 

"Which maid did Fanshaw say would be safe?" he inquired, while Eloiseglowed with mortification. 

"Well, if you think Eloise can't ride, try her some time!" exclaimedthe widow gayly. It had been a matter of surprise and afterward ofresentment that Mr. Evringham could remain deaf to her hints so long, and she had determined to become frank. "Or else ask Dr. Ballard, " shewent on; "he has very kindly provided Eloise with a horse several times, but the child likes a solitary ride, sometimes, as well as you do. "

The steely look returned to the host's eyes. "No one rides the Maid butmyself, " he returned coldly. 

"I beg you to believe, grandfather, that I don't wish to ride her, " saidEloise, her customary languor of manner gone and her voice hard. "Motheris more ambitious for me than I am for myself. I should be very muchobliged if she would allow me to ask favors when I want them. "

Mrs. Forbes's lips were set in a tight line as she filled Mrs. Evringham's glass. 

That lady's heart was beating a little fast from vexation, and also fromthe knowledge that a time of reckoning with her child was coming. 

"Oh, very well, " she said airily. "No wonder you are careful of thatbeautiful creature. I caught Eloise with her arms around the mare's neckthe other day, and I couldn't help wishing for a kodak. You feed herwith sugar, don't you Eloise?"

"I hope not, I'm sure!" exclaimed Mr. Evringham sternly. 

"I'll not do it again, grandfather, " said the girl, her very earsburning. 

Mrs. Evringham sighed and gave one Parthian shot. "The poor child doeslove horses so, " she murmured softly. 

The host scowled and fidgeted in his chair with a brusque gesture toMrs. Forbes to remove the course. 

"Harry has turned up again, " he remarked, to change the subject. 

"Really?" returned his daughter-in-law languidly. "For how long Iwonder?"

"He thinks it is permanent. "

"He is still in Chicago?"

"Yes, for a day or two. He and his wife sail for Europe immediately. "

"Indeed!" with a greater show of interest. Then, curiously, "Are yousending them, father?"

"Scarcely! They are going on business. "

"Oh, " relapsing into indifference. "They have a child, I believe. "

"Yes, a girl. I should think perhaps you might have remembered it. "

"I hardly see why, if Harry didn't--a fact he plainly showed bydeserting the poor creature. " The insolence of the speaker's tone wasscarcely veiled. Her extreme disapproval of her father-in-law sometimeswelled to the surface of her suave manner. 

Mr. Evringham's thoughts had fled to Chicago. "Harry proposed leavingthe girl here while they are gone, " he said. 

Mrs. Evringham straightened in her chair and her attention concentrated. "With you? What assurance! How like Harry!" she exclaimed. 

The words were precisely those which her host had been saying tohimself; but proceeding from her lips they had a strange effect uponhim. 

"You find it so?" he asked. The clearer the proposition became to Mrs. Evringham's consciousness the more she resented it. To have the childin the house not only would menace her ease and comfort, but meanta possibility that the grandfather might take an interest in Harry'sdaughter which would disturb Eloise's chances. 

"Of course it does. I call it simply presumptuous, " she declared withemphasis. 

"After all, Harry has some rights, " rejoined Mr. Evringham slowly. 

"His wife is a dressmaker, " went on the other. "I had it directly froma Chicago friend. Harry has scarcely been with the child since she wasborn. And to saddle a little stranger like that on you! Now Eloise and_her_ father were inseparable. "

There was an ominous glitter in Mr. Evringham's eyes. "Eloise's father!"he returned slowly. "I did not know that she remembered him. "

The hurt of his tone and words sank deep into the heart of the girl, butshe looked up courageously. 

"Your son was my father in every best sense, " she said. "We wereinseparable. You must have known it. "

"You appeared to be separable when your father made his visits toBel-Air Park, " was the rejoinder. "Pardon me if I knew very littleof what took place in his household. A telegraph blank, please, Mrs. Forbes, and tell Zeke to be ready to go to the office. "

There was a vital tone in the usually dry voice. Mrs. Evringham lookedapprehensively at her daughter; but Eloise gave her no answering glance;her eyes were downcast and her pretense of eating continued, while herpulses beat. 

CHAPTER IV

FATHER AND SON

When later they were alone, the girl looked at her mother, her eyesluminous. 

"You see, " she began rather breathlessly, "even you must see, he isbeginning to drive us away. "

"I do hope, Eloise, you are not going to indulge in any heroics overthis affair, " returned Mrs. Evringham, who had braced herself to meet anattack. "Does the unpleasant creature suppose we would stay with him ifwe were not obliged to?"

"If we are obliged to, which I don't admit, need you demand furtherfavors than food and shelter? How could you speak of Essex Maid! How canyou know in your inmost heart, as you do, that we are eating the breadof charity, and then ask for the apple of his eye!" exclaimed Eloisedesperately. 

"Go away with your bread and apples, " responded Mrs. Evringhamflippantly. "I have a real worry now that that wretched little cousin ofyours is coming. "

"She is not my cousin please remember, " responded the girl bitterly. "Mr. Evringham reminded us of that to-night. "

"Now don't you begin calling him Mr. Evringham!" protested her mother. "You don't want to take any notice of the man's absurdities. You willonly make matters worse. "

"No, I shall go on saying grandfather for the little while we stay. Otherwise, he would know his words were rankling. It _will_ be a littlewhile? Oh mother!"

Mrs. Evringham pushed the pleading hand away. "I can't tell how long itwill be!" she returned impatiently. "We are simply helpless until yourfather's affairs are settled. I thought I had told you that, Eloise. He worshipped you, child, and no matter what that old curmudgeon says, Lawrence would wish us to remain under his protection until we see ourway clear. "

"Won't you have a business talk with him, so we can know what we have tolook forward to?" The girl's voice was unsteady. 

"I will when the right time comes, Eloise. Can't you trust your mother?Isn't it enough that we have lost our home, our carriages, all ourcomforts and luxuries, through this man's bad judgment--"

"You will cling to that!" despairingly. 

"And have had to come out to this Sleepy Hollow of a place, where lifemeans mere existence, and be so poor that the carfare into New York isactually a consideration! I'm quite satisfied with our martyrdom asit is, without pinching and grinding as we should have to do to liveelsewhere. "

"Then you don't mean to attempt to escape?" returned Eloise in alarm. 

"Hush, hush, Goosie. We will escape all in good time if we don't succeedin taming the bear. As it is, I have to work single handed, " droppinginto a tone of reproach. "You are no help at all. You might as well bea simpering wax dummy out of a shop window. I would have been ashamed atyour age if I could not have subjugated any man alive. We might have hadhim at our feet weeks ago if you had made an effort. "

"No, no, mother, " sadly. "I saw when we first came how effusivenessimpressed him, and I tried to behave so as to strike a balance--thatis, after I found that we were here on sufferance and not as welcomeguests. "

"Pshaw! You can't tell what such a hermit is thinking, " returned Mrs. Evringham. "It is the best thing that could happen to him to have ushere. Dr. Ballard said so only to-day. What is troubling me now is thischild of Harry's. I was sure by father's tone when he first spoke of herthat he would not even consider such an imposition. "

"I think he did feel so, " returned Eloise, her manner quiet again. "Thatwas an example of the way you overreach yourself. The word presumptionon your lips applied to uncle Harry determined grandfather to let thechild come. "

"You think he really has sent for her then!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringham. "You think that is what the telegram meant! I'm sure of it, too. " Thenafter a minute's exasperated thought, "I believe you are right. He isjust contrary enough for that. If I had urged him to let the littlebarbarian come, he couldn't have been induced to do so. That wasn'tclever of me!" The speaker made the admission in a tone which impliedthat in general her cleverness was unquestioned. "Well, I hope she willworry him out of his senses, and I don't think there is much doubt ofit. It may turn out all for the best, Eloise, after all, and lead himto appreciate us. " Mrs. Evringham cast a glance at the mirror and pattedher waved hair. "And yet I'm anxious, very anxious. He might take afancy to the girl, " she added thoughtfully. 

"I'm such a poor-spirited creature, " remarked Eloise. 

"What now?"

"I ought to be strong enough to leave you since you will not come; toleave this roof and earn my own living, some way, any way; but I'm toomuch of a coward. "

"I should hope so, " returned her mother briefly. "You'd soon become oneif you weren't at starting. Girls bred to luxury, as you have been, mustjust contrive to live well somehow. They can't stand anything else. "

"Nonsense, mother, " quietly. "They can. They do. "

"Yes, in books I know they do. "

"No, truth is stranger than fiction. They do. I have been looking forthat sort of stamina in myself for weeks, but I haven't found it. It isa cruel wrong to a girl not to teach her to support herself. "

"My dear! You were going to college. You know you would have gone had itnot been for your poor father's misfortunes. "

Eloise's eyes filled again at the remembrance of the young, gay man whohad been her boon companion since her babyhood, and at the memory ofthose last sad days, when she knew he had agonized over her future evenmore than over that of his volatile wife. 

"My dear, as I've told you before, a girl as pretty as you are shouldknow that fortune cannot be unkind, nor the sea of life too rough. Ineach of the near waves of it you can see a man's head swimming towardyou. You don't know the trouble I have had already in silencing thosewho wished to speak before you were old enough. They could any of thembe summoned now with a word. Let me see. There is Mr. Derwent--Mr. Follansbee--Mr. Weeks--"

"Hush, mother!" ejaculated the girl in disgust. 

"Exactly. I knew you would say they were too old, or too bald, or tooshort, or too fat. I've been a girl myself. Of course there is NatBonnell, and a lot more little waves and ripples like him, but theyalways _were_ out of the question, and now they are ten times more so. That is the reason, Eloise, " the mother's voice became impressive tothe verge of solemnity, "why I feel that Dr. Ballard is almost aprovidence. "

The girl's clear eyes were reflective. "Nat Bonnell is a wave whowouldn't remember a girl who had slipped out of the swim. "

"Very wise of him, " returned Mrs. Evringham emphatically. "Hecan't afford to. Nat is--is--a--decorative creature, just as youare, --decorative. He must make it pay, poor boy. "

Meanwhile Mrs. Forbes had sought her son in the barn. He and she had hadtheir supper in time for her to be ready to wait at dinner. 

"Something doing, something doing, " murmured Zeke as he heard theimpetuosity of her approaching step. 

"That soup _was_ hot!" she exclaimed defiantly. 

"Somebody scald you, ma? I can do him up, whoever he is, " said Zeke, catching up a whip and executing a threatening dance around the dimlylighted barn. 

His mother's snapping eyes looked beyond him. "He said it was cold; butit was only because he was distracted. What do you suppose those peopleare up to now? Trying to get Essex Maid for Mamzell to ride!"

Zeke stopped in his mad career and returned his mother's stare for asilent moment. "And not a dungeon on the place probably!" he exclaimedat last. "Just like some folks' shiftlessness. "

"They _asked_ it. They asked Mr. Evringham if that girl couldn't rideEssex Maid while he was in the city!"

'Zekiel lifted his eyebrows politely. "Where are their remains to beinterred?" he inquired with concern. 

"Well, not in _this_ family vault, you may be sure. He gave it to themto-night for a fact. " Mrs. Forbes smiled triumphantly. "'I didn't knowEloise remembered her father, '" she mimicked. "I'll bet that got undertheir skin!"

"Dear parent, you're excited, " remarked Zeke. 

She brought her reminiscent gaze back to rest upon her son. "Get yourcoat quick, 'Zekiel. Here's the telegram. Take the car that passes thepark gate, and stop at the station. That's the nearest place. "

Ezekiel obediently struggled into the coat hanging conveniently near. "What does the telegram say?--'Run away, little girl, the ogre isn'thungry'?"

"Not much! She's coming. He's sending for the brat. "

"Poor brat! How did it happen?"

"Just some more of my lady's doings, " answered Mrs. Forbes angrily. "Ofcourse she had to put in her oar and exasperate Mr. Evringham until hedid it to spite her. "

"Cutting off his own nose to spite his face, eh?" asked Zeke, taking theslip of paper. 

"Yes, and mine. It's going to come heavy on me. I could have shaken thatwoman with her airs and graces. Catch her or Mamzell lifting _their_hands!"

"Yet they want her, do they?"

"No, Stupid! That's why she's coming. Can't you understand?"

"Blessed if I can, " returned the boy as he left the barn; "but I knowone thing, I pity the kid. "

Mr. Evringham received a prompt answer to his message. His sonappointed, as a place of meeting, the downtown hotel where he and hiswife purposed spending the night before sailing. 

Father and son had not met for years, and Mr. Evringham debated a fewminutes whether to take the gastronomic and social risk of dining withHarry _en famille_ at the noisy hotel above mentioned, or to have dinnerin assured comfort at his club--finally deciding on the latter course. 

It was, therefore, nearly nine o'clock before his card was presented toMr. And Mrs. Harry, to whom it brought considerable relief of mind, andthey hastened down to the dingy parlor with alacrity. 

"You see we thought you might accept our invitation to dinner, " saidHarry heartily, as he grasped his parent's passive hand; "but yourbusiness hours are so short, I dare say you have been at home since themiddle of the afternoon. " As he spoke the hard lines of his father'simpassive face smote him with a thousand associations, many of thembringing remorse. He wondered how much his own conduct had had to dowith graving them so deeply. 

His wife's observant eyes were scanning this guardian of her childfrom the crown of his immaculate head to the toes of his correct patentleathers. His expressionless eyes turned to her. "This is your wife?" heasked, again offering the passive hand. 

"Yes, father, this is Julia, " responded Harry proudly. "I'm sorry thetime is so short. I do want you to know her. "

The young man's face grew eloquent. 

"That is a pleasure to come, " responded Mr. Evringham mechanically. Heturned stiffly and cast a glance about. "You brought your daughter, Ipresume?"

"Yes, indeed, " answered Mrs. Evringham. "Harry was so glad to receiveyour permission. We had made arrangements for her provisionally withfriends in Chicago, but we were desirous that she should have thisopportunity to see her father's home and know you. "

Mr. Evringham thought with regret of those friends in Chicago. Manytimes in the last two days he had deeply repented allowing himself to beexasperated into thus committing himself. 

"Do sit down, father, " said Harry, as his wife seated herself in thenearest chair. 

Mr. Evringham hesitated before complying. "Well, " he said perfunctorily, "you have gone into something that promises well, eh Harry?"

"It looks that way. I'm chiefly occupied these days in being thankful. "The young man smiled with an extraordinary sweetness of expression, which transfigured his face, and which his father remembered well asalways promising much and performing nothing. "I might spend a lot oftime crying over spilt milk, but Julia says I mustn't, "--he glancedacross at his wife, whose dark eyes smiled back, --"and what Julia saysgoes. I intend to spend a year or two doing instead of talking. "

"It will answer better, " remarked his father. 

"Yes, sir, " Harry's voice grew still more earnest. "And by that time, perhaps, I can express my regret to you, for things done and things leftundone, with more convincingness. "

The older man made a slight gesture of rejection with one well-kepthand. "Let bygones be bygones, " he returned briefly. 

"When I think, " pursued Harry, his impulsive manner in strange contrastto that of his listener, "that if I had been behaving myself all thistime, I might have seen dear old Lawrence again!"

Mr. Evringham kept silence. 

"How are Madge and Eloise? I thought perhaps Madge might come in andmeet us at the train. "

"They are in the best of health, thank you. Eh--a--I think if you'llcall your daughter now we will go. It's rather a long ride, you know. No express trains at this hour. When you return we will have more of avisit. "

Harry and his wife exchanged a glance. "Why Jewel is asleep, " answeredthe young man after a pause. "She was so sleepy she couldn't hold hereyes open. "

"You mean you've let her go to bed?" asked Mr. Evringham, with a notvery successful attempt to veil his surprise and annoyance. 

"Why--yes. We supposed she would see us off, you know. "

"Your memory is rather short, it strikes me, " returned his father. "Yousail at eight A. M. , I believe. Did you think I could get in from Bel-Airat that hour?"

"No. I thought you would naturally remain in the city over night. Youused to stay in rather frequently, didn't you?"

"I've not done so for five years; but you couldn't know that. Is it outof the question to dress the child again? I hope she is too healthy tobe disturbed by a trifle like that. "

Mrs. Evringham cast a startled look at her father-in-law. "It woulddisappoint Jewel very much not to see us off, " she returned. 

Mr. Evringham shrugged his shoulders. "Let it go then. Let it go, " hesaid quickly. 

Harry's plain face had grown concerned. "Is Mrs. Forbes with you still?"he asked. 

"Oh, yes. I couldn't keep house without Mrs. Forbes. Well, " rising, "ifyou young people will excuse me, I believe I will go to the club andturn in. "

"Couldn't you stand it here one night, do you think?" asked Harry, rising. "The club is rather far uptown for such an early start. "

"No. I'll be on hand. I'm used to rising early for a canter. I'll takeit with a cab horse this time. That will be all the difference. " Andwith this attempt at jocularity, Mr. Evringham shook hands once more anddeparted, swallowing his ill-humor as best he could. Any instincts ofthe family man which might once have reigned in him had long since beeninhibited. This episode was a cruel invasion upon his bachelor habits. 

Left alone, Harry and his wife without a word ascended to their roomand with one accord approached the little bed in the corner where theirchild lay asleep. 

The man took his wife's hand. "I've done it now, Julia, " he saiddejectedly. "It's my confounded optimism again. "

"Your optimism is all right, " she returned, smoothing his hand gently, though her heart was beating fast, and the vision of her father-in-law, with his elegant figure and cold eyes, was weighing upon her spirit. 

Harry looked long on the plain little sleeping face, so like his own inspite of its exquisite child-coloring, and bending, touched the tossed, straight, flaxen hair. 

"We couldn't take her, I suppose?" he asked. 

"No, " replied the yearning mother quietly. "We have prayed over it. Wemust know that all will be right. "

"His bark is worse than his bite, " said Harry doubtfully. "It alwayswas; and Mrs. Forbes is there. "

"You say she is a kind sort of woman?"

"Why, I suppose so, " uncertainly. "I never had much to do with her. "

"And your sister? Isn't it very strange that she didn't come in to meetus? I was so certain I should put Jewel into her hands I feel a littlebewildered. "

"You're a trump!" ejaculated Harry hotly, "and you've married into afamily where they're scarce. Madge might have met us at the train, atleast. "

"Perhaps she is very sad over her loss, " suggested Julia. 

"In the best of health. Father said so. Oh well, she never was anythingbut a big butterfly and Eloise a little one. I remember the last timeI saw the child, a pretty fairy with her long pink silk stockings. Shemust have been just about the age of Jewel. "

The mother stooped over the little bed and the dingy room lookedpleasanter for her smile. "Jewel hasn't any pink silk stockings, " shemurmured, and kissed the warm rose of the round cheek. 

The little girl stirred and opened her eyes, at first vaguely, then witha start. 

"Is it time for the boat?" she asked, trying to rise. 

Her father smoothed her hair. "No, time to go to sleep again. We're justgoing to bed. Good-night, Jewel. " He stooped to kiss her, and her armsmet around his neck. 

"It was an April fool, wasn't it?" she murmured sleepily, and wasunconscious again. 

The mother hid her face for a moment on her husband's shoulder. "Helpme to feel that we're doing right, " she whispered, with a catch in herbreath. 

"As if I could help _you_, Julia!" he returned humbly. 

"Oh, yes, you can, dear. " She withdrew from his embrace, and going tothe dresser, took down her hair. The smiling face of a doll looked up ather from the neighboring chair, where it was sitting bolt upright. Hercostume was fresh from the modiste, and her feet, though hopelesslypigeon-toed, were encased in bronze boots of a freshness which caughtthe dim gaslight with a golden sheen. 

Mrs. Evringham smiled through her moist eyes. 

"Well, Jewel _was_ sleepy. She forgot to undress Anna Belle, " she said. 

Letting her hair fall about her like a veil, she caught up the doll andpressed it to her heart impulsively. "You are going to stay with her, Anna Belle! I envy you, I envy you!" she whispered. An irrepressibletear fell on the sumptuous trimming of the little hat. "Be good to her;comfort her, comfort her, little dolly. " Hastily wiping her eyes, sheturned to her husband, still holding the doll. "We shall have to be verycareful, Harry, in the morning. If we are harboring one wrong or fearfulthought, we must not let Jewel know it. "

"Oh, I wish it were over! I wish the next month were over!" he repliedrestively. 

CHAPTER V

BON VOYAGE

At the dock next morning the scene was one of the usual confusion. Thesailing time was drawing near and Mr. Evringham had not appeared. 

Harry, with his little girl's hand in his, stood at the foot of the gangplank, peering at every newcomer and growing more anxious every moment. Jewel occupied herself in throwing kisses to her mother, who stood atthe rail far above, never taking her eyes from the little figure in theblue sailor suit. 

The child noted her father's set lips and the concentrated expression ofhis eyes. 

"If grandpa doesn't come what shall I do?" she asked without anxiety. 

"You'll go to England, " was the prompt response. 

"Without my trunk!" returned the child in protest. 

Her father looked again at the watch he held in his hand. The order togo ashore was sending all visitors down the gang plank. "By George, Iguess you're going, too, " he muttered between his teeth, when suddenlyhis father's tall form came striding through the crowd. Mr. Evringhamwas carrying a long pasteboard box, and seemed breathless. 

"Horse fell down. Devil of a time! Roses for your wife. "

Harry grasped the box, touched his father's hand, kissed the child, andstrode up the plank amid the frowns of officials. 

Jewel's eager eyes followed him, then, as he disappeared, lifted againto her mother, who smiled and waved her hand to Mr. Evringham. Thelatter raised his hat and took the occasion to wipe his heated brow. He was irritated through and through. The morning had been a chapter ofaccidents. Even the roses, which he had ordered the night before, hadproved to be the wrong sort. 

The suspense of the last fifteen minutes had been a distressing wrongto put upon any man. He had now before him the prospect of caring for astrange child, of taking her out of town at an hour when he should havebeen coming into it. She would probably cry. Very well; if she did hedetermined on the instant to ride out to Bel-Air in the smoking car, although he detested its odors and uncleanness. The whole situation wasenormous. What a fool he had been, and what an intelligent woman wasMrs. Forbes! She had seen from the first the inappropriateness, theimpossibility, of the whole proposition. His attention was attracted tothe fact that the small figure at his side was hopping up and down withexcitement. 

"There's father, there's father!" she cried, as Harry joined his wifeat the rail and they lifted the wealth of roses from the box and wavedthem. 

"We've wronged him, Harry!" exclaimed Julia, trying to see the littleface below through her misty eyes. "How I love him for bringing me thesesweet things! It gives me such a different feeling about him. "

"Oh, father would as soon forget his breakfast as roses for a woman hewas seeing off, " returned Harry without enthusiasm, while he waved hishat energetically. 

The steamer pulled out. The faces in the crowd mingled and changedplaces. 

"I've lost them, I've lost them!" cried Julia. "Oh, where are they, Harry. "

"Over there near the corner. I can see father. It's all right, dear, "choking a little. "Jewel was skipping and laughing a minute ago. It willonly be a few weeks, but confound it, " violently, "next time we'll takeher!"

Julia buried her face in the roses, on which twinkled a sudden dew, andtried to gather promise from their sweet breath. 

Jewel strained her eyes to follow the now indistinguishable forms on thelofty deck, and her grandfather looked down at the small figure in thesailor suit, the short thick pigtails of flaxen hair tied with largebows of ribbon, and the doll clasped in one arm. At last the childturned her head and looked up, and their eyes met for the first time. 

"Jove, she does look like Harry!" muttered Mr. Evringham, and even as hespoke the plain little face was illumined with the smile he knew, thatsurpassingly sweet smile which promised so much and performed nothing. 

The child studied him with open, innocent curiosity. 

"I can't believe it's you, " she said at last, in a voice light andwinning, a voice as sweet as the smile. 

"I don't wonder. I don't quite know myself this morning, " he repliedbrusquely. 

"We have a picture of you, but it's a long-ago one, and I thoughtby this time you would be old, and--and bent over, you know, the waygrandpas are. "

Even in that place of drays and at eight o'clock A. M. These words fellnot disagreeably upon irritated ears. 

"I think myself Nature did not intend me to be a grandpa, " he replied. 

"Oh, yes, you're just the right kind, " returned the child hastily andconfidently. "Strong and--and handsome. "

Mr. Evringham looked at her in amazement. "The little rascal!" hethought. "Has she been coached?"

"I suppose we may get away from here now, " he said aloud. "There'snothing more to wait for. "

"Didn't the roses make mother happy?" asked the little girl, trottingalong beside his long strides. "I think it was wonderful for you tobring them so early in the morning. "

Mr. Evringham summoned a cab. 

"Oh, are we gong in a carriage?" cried Jewel, highly pleased. "But Imustn't forget, grandpa, there's something father told me I must giveyou the first thing. Will you take Anna Belle a minute, please?" and Mr. Evringham found himself holding the doll fiercely by one leg while smallhands worked at the catch of a very new little leather side-bag. 

At last Jewel produced a brass square. 

"Oh, your trunk check. " Mr. Evringham exchanged the doll for it withalacrity. "Get in. " He held open the cab door. 

Jewel obeyed, but not without some misgivings when her guardian socoolly pocketed the check. 

"Yes, it's for my trunk, " she replied when her grandfather was besideher and they began rattling over the stones. "I have a checked silkdress, " she added softly, after a pause. It were well to let him knowthe value of her baggage. 

"Have you indeed? How old are you, Julia? Your name is Julia, Ibelieve?"

"Yes, sir, my _name's_ Julia, but so is mother's, and they call meJewel. I'm nearly nine, grandpa. "

"H'm. Time flies, " was the brief response. 

Jewel looked out of the cab window in the noisy silence that followed. At last her voice was raised to sound through the clatter. "I suppose mytrunk is somewhere else, " she said suggestively. 

"Yes, your trunk will reach home all right, plaid silk and all. "

Jewel smiled, and lifting the doll she let her look out the window uponthe uninviting prospect. "Anna Belle's clothes are in the trunk, too, "she added, turning and speaking confidentially. 

"Whose?" asked Mr. Evringham, startled. "There's no one else coming, Isuppose?"

"Why, this is Anna Belle, " returned the child, laughing and lifting thebisque beauty so that the full radiance of her smile beamed upon hercompanion. "That's your great-grandfather, dearie, that I've told youabout, " she said patronizingly. "We've been so _excited_ the last fewdays since we knew we were coming, " looking again at Mr. Evringham. "I've told Anna Belle all about beautiful Bel-Air Park, and the bighouse, and the big trees, and the ravine, and the brook. Isn't it nice, "joyfully, "that it doesn't rain to-day, and we shall see it in thesunshine?"

"Rain would have made it more disagreeable certainly, " returned Mr. Evringham, congratulating himself that he was escaping that further rainof tears which he had dreaded. "It is a good day for your father andmother to set out on their trip, " he added. 

"Yes, and they're only to be gone six little weeks, " returned Jewel, smoothing her doll's boa; "and I'm to have this lovely visit, and I'm towrite them very often, and they'll write to me, and we shall all be sohappy!" Jewel trotted Anna Belle on her short-skirted knee and hummed atune, which was lost in the rattle of wheels. 

"You can read and write, eh?"

"Oh ye--es!" replied the child with amused scorn. "How would I getmy lessons if I couldn't read? Of course--big words, " she addedconscientiously. 

"Precisely, " agreed Mr. Evringham dryly. "Big words, I dare say. "

A sudden thought occurring to his companion, she looked up again. 

"You pretty nearly didn't come, " she said, "and just think, if youhadn't I was going to England. Father said so. "

At the sweet inflections of the child's voice Mr. Evringham's browscontracted with remembrance of his wrongs. "I should have come. Yourfather might have known that!"

"I suppose he wouldn't have liked to leave me sitting on the dock alone, but I should have known you'd come. The funny part is I shouldn't haveknown _you_. " Jewel laughed. "I should have kept looking for an oldman with white hair and a cane like Grandpa Morris. He's a grandpa inChicago that I know. He's just as kind as he can be, but he has the_queerest_ back. He goes to our church, but says he came in at theeleventh hour. I think he used to have rheumatism. And while I wassitting there you could have walked right by me. "

"Humph!"

"But then you'd have known _me_, " went on Jewel, straightening AnnaBelle's hat, "so it would have been all right. You'd have known therewould be only one little girl waiting there, and you would have said, 'Oh, here you are, Jewel. I've come. I'm your grandpa. '" The childunconsciously mimicked the short, brusque speech. 

Mr. Evringham regarded her rather darkly. "Eh? I hope you're notimpudent?"

"What's that?" asked Jewel doubtfully. 

Her companion's brow grew darker. 

"Impudent I say. "

"And what is impudent?"

"Don't you know?" suspiciously. 

"No, sir, " replied the child, some anxiety clouding her bright look. "Isit error?"

Mr. Evringham regarded her rather blankly. "It's something you mustn'tbe, " he replied at last. 

Jewel's face cleared. "Oh no, I won't then, " she replied earnestly. "Youtell me when I'm--it, because I want to make you happy. "

Mr. Evringham cleared his throat. He felt somewhat embarrassed and wasglad they had reached the ferry. 

"We're going on a boat, aren't we?" she asked when they had passedthrough the gate. 

"Yes, and we can make this boat if we hurry. " Mr. Evringham suddenlyfelt a little hand slide into his. Jewel was skipping along beside himto keep up with his long strides, and he glanced down at the bobbingflaxen head with its large ribbon bows, while the impulse to withdrawhis hand was thwarted by the closer clinging of the small fingers. 

"Father told me about the ferry, " said Jewel with satisfaction, "andyou'll show me the statue of Liberty won't you, grandpa? Isn't it asplendid boat? Oh, can we go out close to the water?"

Mr. Evringham sighed heavily. He did not wish to go out close to thewater. He wished to sit down in comfort in the cabin and read the paperwhich he had just taken from a newsboy. It seemed to him a very longtime since he had done anything he wished to; but a little hand waspulling eagerly at his, and mechanically he followed out to where thebrisk spring wind ruffled the river and assaulted his hat. He jerked hishand from Jewel's to hold it in place. 

"Isn't this beautiful!" cried the child joyfully, as the boat steamedon. "Can you do this every day, grandpa?"

"What? Oh yes, yes. "

Something in the tone caused the little girl to look up from her view ofthe wide water spaces to the grim face above. 

"Is there something that makes you sorry, grandpa?" she asked softly. 

His eyes were fixed on a ferry boat, black with its human freight, aboutto pass them on its way to the city. 

"I was wishing I were on that boat. That's all. "

The little girl lifted her shoulders. "I don't believe there's room, "she said, looking smilingly for a response from her companion. "I don'tbelieve even Anna Belle could squeeze on. Do you think so?"

Mr. Evringham, holding his hat with one hand, was endeavoring to fetterthe lively corners of his newspaper in such shape that he could at leastget a glimpse of headlines. 

"Oh, I see a statue. Is that it, grandpa? Is that it?"

"What?" vaguely. "Oh yes. The statue of Liberty. Yes, that's it. Asif there was any liberty for anybody!" muttered Mr. Evringham into hismustache. 

"It isn't so very big, " objected Jewel. 

"We're not so very near it. "

"Just think, " gayly, "father and mother are sailing away just the way weare. "

"H'm, " returned Mr. Evringham, trying to read the report of the stockmarket, and becoming more impatient each instant with the sportivebreeze. 

"Julia, " he said at last, "I am going into the cabin to read the paper. Will you go in, or do you wish to stay here?"

"May I stay here?"

"Yes, " doubtfully, "I suppose so, if you won't climb on the rail, or--oranything. "

Jewel laughed in gleeful appreciation of the joke. Her grandfather mether blue eyes unsmilingly and vanished. 

"I wish grandpa didn't look so sorry, " she thought regretfully. "He isa very important man, grandpa is, and perhaps he has a lot of error tomeet and doesn't know how to meet it. "

Watching the dancing waves and constantly calling Anna Belle's attentionto some point of interest on the water front or a passing craft, she nevertheless pursued a train of thought concerning her importantrelative, with the result that when the gong sounded for landing, andMr. Evringham's impassive countenance reappeared, she met him withconcern. 

"Doesn't it make you sorry to read the morning paper, grandpa?"

"Sometimes. Depends on the record of the Exchange. " There was somewhatless of the irritation of a newsless man in the morning in the speaker'stone. 

"Mother calls the paper the Daily Saddener, " pursued Jewel, againslipping her hand into her grandfather's as a matter of course as theymoved slowly off the boat. "I've been thinking that perhaps you're in ahurry to get to business, grandpa. "

The child did not quote his words about the ingoing ferry boat lest heshould feel regret at having spoken them. 

"Well, there's no use in my being in a hurry this morning, " he returned. 

"I was going to ask, couldn't you show me how to go to Bel-Air, so youwouldn't have to take so much time?"

A gleam of hope came into Mr. Evringham's cold eyes and he looked downon his companion doubtfully. 

"We have to go out on the train, " he said. 

"Yes, " returned the child, "but you could put me on it, and every timeit stops I would ask somebody if that was Bel-Air. "

The prospect this offered was very pleasing to the broker. 

"You wouldn't be afraid, eh?"

"Be what?" asked Jewel, looking up at him with a certain reproachfulsurprise. 

"You wouldn't, eh?"

"Why, grandpa!"

"Well, I believe it would do well enough, since you don't mind. Zeke isgoing to meet this train. I'll tell the conductor to see that you getoff at Bel-Air, and when you do, ask for Mr. Evringham's coachman. You'll see Zeke, a light-haired man driving a brown horse in a brougham. He'll take you home to his mother, Mrs. Forbes. She is my housekeeper. Now, do you think you'll understand?"

"It sounds very easy, " returned Jewel. 

Mr. Evringham's long legs and her short skipping ones lost no time inboarding the train, which they found made up. The relieved man saw theconductor, paid the child's fare, and settled her on the plush seat. 

She sat there, contentedly swinging her feet. 

"Now I can just catch a boat if I leave you immediately, " said Mr. Evringham consulting his watch. "You've only a little more than fiveminutes to wait before the train starts. "

"Then hurry, grandpa, I'm all right. "

"Very well. Your fare is paid, and the conductor understands. You mightask somebody, though. Bel-Air, you know. Good-by. "

Hastily he strode down the aisle and left the train. Having to pass thewindow beside which Jewel sat, he glanced up with a half uneasy memoryof how far short of the floor her feet had swung. 

She was watching for him. On her lips was the sweet gay smile and--yes, there was no mistake--Anna Belle's countenance was beaming through theglass, and she was wafting kisses to Mr. Evringham from a stiff andchubby hand. The stockbroker grew warm, cleared his throat, lifted hishat, and hurried his pace. 

CHAPTER VI

JEWEL'S ARRIVAL

When her grandfather had disappeared, Jewel placed Anna Belle onthe seat beside her, where she toed in, in a state of the utmostcomplacence. 

"I have my work to do, Anna Belle, " she said, "and this will be a goodtime, so don't disturb me till the train starts. " She put her hand overher eyes, and sat motionless as the people met and jostled in the aisle. 

Minutes passed, and then some one brushed the child's arm in takingthe seat beside her. "Oh, please don't sit on Anna Belle!" she criedsuddenly, and looked up into a pair of clear eyes that were regardingher with curiosity. 

They belonged to a man with a brown mustache and dark, short, pointedbeard, who carried a small square black case and had altogether a veryclean, fresh, agreeable appearance. 

"Do I look like a person who would sit on Anna Belle?" he asked gravely. 

The doll was enthroned upon his knee as he set down his case, and thetrain started. 

"If she annoys you I'll take her, " said Jewel, with a little air ofmotherliness not lost upon her companion. 

"Thank you, " he replied, "but I'm used to children. She looks like afine, healthy little girl, " keeping his eyes fixed on the doll's rosycheeks. 

"Yes indeed. She's very healthy. "

"Not had measles, or chicken pox, or mumps, or any of those things yet?"pursued the pleasant voice. 

"Oh dear!" gasped Jewel. "Please let me take Anna Belle. " She caught herdoll into her arms and met her companion's surprised gaze. 

"I haven't any of them, " he returned, amused. "Don't be afraid. "

"I'm not afraid, " answered the child promptly. "There is nothing to beafraid of. "

"I was only going to say, " said the young man, "that if she was ailing Icould prescribe for her. I have my case right here. "

Jewel's startled look fell to the black case. "What's that! Medicine?"she asked softly. 

"It certainly is. So you see you have a doctor handy if anything ailsthe baby. "

The child gazed at him with grave scrutiny. "Do you believe in materiamedica?" she asked. 

The young doctor threw back his head and laughed heartily. "Well, yes, "he answered at last. "I am supposed to. "

To his surprise his neighbor returned to the attitude in which he hadfound her, with one hand over her eyes. 

He ceased laughing and looked at her in some discomfiture. Her mouth wasset seriously. There was no quiver of the rosy lips. 

To his relief, in a minute she dropped her hand and began to hum andarrange her doll's hat. 

The conductor approached, and as the doctor presented his ticket, hesaid, "This little girl's fare is paid, I believe. " The conductor noddedand passed on. 

"I'm to get off at Bel-Air, " said Jewel. "I hope he doesn't forget. "

"If he does, I shan't, " said the doctor, "for I'm going to get off theremyself. "

The child's eyes brightened. "Isn't that nice!" she returned. Then shelifted Anna Belle and whispered something into her ear. 

"No secrets, " said the doctor. 

"I was just reminding Anna belle how we are always taken care of, "returned Jewel. 

The young man regarded her with increasing interest and curiosity. 

"Don't you wonder how I knew that your fare was paid?" he asked. 

"How did you?"

"I met Mr. Evringham hurrying through the station. He said hisgranddaughter was on this train and asked me to look out for a littlegirl with a doll. "

"Oh, " returned the child, pleased, "then you know grandpa. "

"I've known him ever since I was no bigger than you are. But even then, "added the doctor mentally, "I hadn't supposed him capable of sendingthis baby out from the city alone. "

Jewel watched the kind eyes attentively. "So you see, " he went on, "allI had to do was to look for Anna Belle. "

"And you nearly sat on her, " declared the child. 

"I deny it, " returned the doctor gravely. "I deny it. You weren'tlooking. For one second I was afraid you were crying. "

"Crying! What would I be crying for, coming to have a lovely visit atgrandpa's!"

"I suppose you are in a hurry to see your aunt and cousin?" remarked thedoctor. 

"Yes, but I don't know them. You see, " explanatorily, "they aren't myreal relations. "

"Indeed?"

"No, aunt Madge is my uncle's wife and cousin Eloise is her little girl, but not uncle Lawrence's. "

The doctor thought a minute. 

"Really? She is a very charming little girl, is your cousin Eloise. Aren't you going to tell me your name?"

"My name is Jewel. "

"And I am Dr. Ballard, so now we are properly introduced. " He smiledupon her with merry eyes, and she responded politely:--

"I'm very glad you found us. "

Arrived at Bel-Air, the doctor picked up his case and Jewel followed himfrom the train. He looked about expectantly for Mrs. Evringham or herdaughter. They were not there. 

The little girl's quick eyes discerned a light-haired driver and a brownhorse coming around a curve of the pretty landscape gardening whichbeautified the station. At the same moment Dr. Ballard recognized theequipage with relief. 

"They've sent for you. That is all right, " he said, and 'Zekiel, withone side glance at the little stranger, drew up by the platform. 

"Good-morning, Zeke. Here is your passenger. " He lifted Jewel to herplace beside the driver, whose smooth, stolid face did not changeexpression. 

"Do I wait for Mr. Evringham?" he asked, without turning his head in itsstiff collar. 

"No, Mr. Evringham remained in town. "

"Is there a trunk?" pursued Zeke immovably. 

"How about your trunk, little one?" asked the doctor. 

Jewel produced a paper check. "A man gave grandpa this for it at theboat place. "

"I'll see to having it sent up then. " The doctor looked along theplatform. "It didn't come this trip. " He took the child's hand in his. "I shall see you again before long. Good-by. "

Jewel looked after his retreating figure with some regret. Her presentcompanion seemed carved out of wood. His plum-colored livery fittedwithout a wrinkle. His smooth, solemn face appeared incapable of speech. 

The swift horse trotted through the village street at a great pace, andthe visitor enjoyed the novel experience so intensely that she could notforbear stealing a look up at the driver's face. 

He caught it. "Ain't afraid, are you?" he asked. 

She looked doubtful. "Is it error for the horse to go so fast?" shereturned. 

"Error?"'Zekiel regarded the child curiously. "Well, I guess it'sconsidered one o' the biggest virtues a horse can have. "

"Then why did you ask me if I was afraid? You're the third person who'sasked me that this morning, " returned Jewel, with wondering inflectionsin her soft voice. "Are New York people afraid of things?"

"Well, not so's you'd notice it as a rule, " returned Zeke. "I'm glad ifshe ain't one o' the scared kind, " he pursued, as if to himself. 

"Oh, this is splendid, " declared Jewel, relieved by her companion'ssmile; "I don't know as Anna Belle ever had such a good ride. See thetrees, dearie! How the leaves are coming out! They aren't nearly sofar out in Chicago; but oh, " as the horse turned, "there's a big stormcoming! What a black cloud! We're just in time. "

"I don't see any cloud, " said Zeke, staring about. 

"Why, right there in front of us, " excitedly, pointing at the longopaque mass against the sky. 

"That? Why, that's hills. " Zeke laughed. "The mountain they call ithere. Pretty sickly mountain we'd think it was up Berkshire way. "

"Oh, it's a mountain, Anna Belle, " joyfully, "we're really seeing amountain!"

"No you ain't, " remarked Zeke emphatically. "Not by a large majority. Guess Chicago's some flat, ain't it?"

"We don't have hills, no. So now we're going to see grandpa's park, andthe ravine, and the brook, and--and everything!"

Zeke stole a furtive look at the owner of the joyous voice. Thevoluminous ribbon bows behind her ears were mostly in evidence, as shebent her face over her doll in congratulation. 

"Left Mr. Evringham in town, did you?" he asked. 

"Yes, he was busy, and in a hurry to get to his office. Grandpa's suchan important man. "

"Is he?" asked Zeke. 

"Why ye--es! Didn't you know it?"

"I surmised something of the kind. So Dr. Ballard looked after you. "

"Yes, --and I do hope my trunk will come. "

Jewel looked wistfully at the driver. In spite of his stiff and elegantappearance he had been surprisingly affable. "I have a checked silkdress, " she added modestly. 

"You don't say so!" ejaculated Zeke, wholly won by the smile bent uponhim. "Well, now, if that trunk don't show up by noon, I'll have to dosomething about it. "

"Oh, thank you!" exclaimed the child. 

They now sped through the gates of the park and by the porter's lodge, and began the ascent of a winding road. Handsome residences were setamong the fine trees, and at sight of each one Jewel looked expectantand eager. 

"I expect mother'll be kind of looking out for us, " continued Zeke. "Poor kid!" he added mentally. 

"Grandpa said something about your mother. "

"His housekeeper, Mrs. Forbes. "

"Oh yes, of course I know about Mrs. Forbes, " returned Jewel hastily andpolitely. "He told me your name too, " she added suggestively. 

"Yes, I'm Zeke. And you just remember, " emphatically, "that I come whenI'm called. Will you?"

"Yes, " replied the child, laughing a little. "Do you know my name?"

"It's Julia, isn't it?"

"Yes, but if you called me by it perhaps I shouldn't come, for I'm usedto the name of Jewel. "

"Pretty name, all right, " returned Zeke sententiously. "Now you can seeyour grandpa's house. The one with the long porch. "

Jewel jumped up and down a little in the seat and held Anna Belle to geta good view. The brown horse trotted with a will, and in a minute morethey had passed up the driveway and paused beneath the _porte-cochere_. 

Mrs. Forbes threw open the door and stood unsmiling. 

"Where is Mr. Evringham?" she asked, addressing her son. 

"Stayed in town. "

The housekeeper stepped forward and helped down the little girl, who hadrisen and was looking brightly expectant. 

"How do you do, Julia, " she said. "Did you come out alone on the cars?"

"No. Dr. Ballard came with me. "

"Oh, that was the way of it. Zeke, hitch up the brougham. The ladies aregoing out to lunch. "

"Why didn't they let me know?" grumbled Zeke. "Could have hitched up thebrougham just as well in the first place. "

"Don't ask _me_, " returned his mother acidly. "Where is your bag, Julia?I hope you haven't left it in the train?"

"No, I didn't have any. I used mother's. She knew I'd have my trunkto-night. "

"Then come in and I'll show you where your room is. "

The child looked eagerly and admiringly from side to side as shefollowed Mrs. Forbes up two flights of broad shallow stairs and into anapartment which to her eyes seemed luxurious. 

"Was this ever my father's room?" she asked. 

"Why yes, I believe it was, " returned Mrs. Forbes, to whom thatcircumstance had not before occurred. 

"How kind of grandpa to let me have it!" said Jewel, highly pleased. 

"He wasn't in it much, your father wasn't. Away at school or some otherplace mostly. Where's your trunk?"

"It's coming. Zeke said he'd attend to it. " Jewel looked up happily. "Ihave a"--she was intending to communicate to Mrs. Forbes the excitingdetail of her wardrobe when the housekeeper interrupted her. 

"My son's name is Ezekiel, " she said impressively. 

"Oh, " returned Jewel abashed. "He told me Zeke. " She still stood in themiddle of the large white room, Anna Belle in her arms, and with thesurprised look in her serious face drew upon herself an unflatteringmental comment. 

"The image of Harry, " thought Mrs. Forbes. 

"Can I see aunt Madge and cousin Eloise?" asked the child, beginning tofeel some awe of the large woman regarding her. 

"They're getting ready to go out to lunch. They can't be disturbed now. You can sit here, or walk around until lunch time. You'll know whenthat is ready, because the gong will sound in the hall. Now when you godownstairs be careful not to touch the tall clock on the landing. Thatis a very valuable chiming clock, and you mustn't open its doors, forfear you would break something. Then if you go into the parlor you mustnever play on the piano unless you ask somebody, for fear Mr. Evringhammight be trying to take a nap just at that time; then you mustn't gointo the barn without permission, for it's dangerous where the horsesare, and you might get kicked. If you're tired from your journey you canlie down now till lunch time; but whenever you do lie down, be sure toturn off this white spread, for fear you might soil it. Now I'm verybusy, and I shan't see you again till lunch. "

Mrs. Forbes departed and Jewel stood for half a minute motionless, feeling rather dazed by a novel sensation of resentment. 

"As if we were babies!" she whispered to her doll. "She's the mostafraid woman I ever saw, and she looks so _sorry_! She isn't ourrelation, so no matter, dearie, what she says. This is father's room, and we can think how he used to run around here when he was a littleboy. "

Tiptoeing to the door, Jewel closed it and began to inspect her newapartment. 

The sweet smelling soap on the marble stand, the silver mountings of thefaucets, the large fine towels, the empty closet and drawers, all lookedinviting. Throughout her examination the little girl kept pausing tolisten. 

Surely aunt Madge and cousin Eloise would look in before they went outto their engagement. Mother had so often said how nice it was that theywere there. Surely they didn't know that she had arrived. That was it, of course; and Mrs. Forbes was so sorry and anxious she would probablyforget to tell them. 

Some altercation was just then going on in the apartments of thoseladies. 

"We ought to speak to her before we go, " said Mrs. Evringhampersuasively. "Father would probably resent it if we didn't. "

"I have told you already, " returned Eloise, "that I do not intend doingone thing henceforward that grandfather could interpret as being done toplease him. "

"But that is carrying it ridiculously far, not to greet your cousin, whohas come from a journey and is your guest. "

"My guest!" returned the girl derisively. "We are hers more likely. Iwill not go to her. The sooner grandfather sends us away the better. "

Mrs. Evringham looked worried. 

"This is mania, Eloise!" she returned coaxingly. "Very well, I shall goand speak to the child. She shan't be able to tell her grandfather ofany rudeness. "

In a few minutes Jewel, sitting by her window, Anna Belle in her lap, heard the _frou-frou_ of skirts in the hall, and with a knock at thedoor, a lady entered. She was arrayed in a thin black gown and wore alarge black hat, that was very becoming. 

Jewel's admiration went out to her on the instant and she started up. 

The lady swept toward her, and bending, a delicate perfume wafted aboutJewel as she felt a light touch of lips on her cheek. 

"So this is Julia Evringham, " said the newcomer. 

"And you are aunt Madge, " returned the child gladly, clinging to thegloved hand, which endured for a moment, and then firmly disengageditself. 

"Your father and mother got off all right I hope?" went on the airyvoice. "I'm always afraid of winds at this season myself, but they maynot have them. Your cousin Eloise and I are hurrying away to a luncheon, but we shall see you at dinner. You're very comfortable here? That'sright. Good-bye. "

She swept away, and the light again faded from Jewel's face as she wentslowly back to her seat. 

"Aunt Madge is afraid, too, " she said to the doll. "We know there won'tbe winds, don't we, dearie? God will take care of father and mother. "

An uncomfortable lump rose towards the child's throat. 

Mrs. Evringham followed Eloise into the brougham, smiling. 

"It couldn't be better, " she announced with much satisfaction as theydrove away. 

"What?"

"She is plain--oh, plain as possible. Small eyes, large mouth, insignificant nose. She will never get on with father. He nevercould endure ugliness in a girl or woman. I have heard him say it wasunpardonable. If it hadn't been that we were what we are, Eloise, Ishould never have dreamed of doing as I have done. Now if only some goodfairy would open your eyes to see which side your bread is buttered on!You could do marvels with such a foil for contrast. "

CHAPTER VII

THE FIRST EVENING

In the excitement of the early morning start, Jewel had eaten littlebreakfast, but the soft resonance of the Japanese gong, when it soundedin the hall below, found her unready for food. 

However, she judged the mellow sound to be her summons and obedientlyleft her seat by the window. As she went down she looked askance atthe tall dark clock which, even as she passed, chimed the half hourmelodiously. Certainly her important grandfather lived in a wonderfulhouse. She paused to hear the last notes of the bells, but catchingsight of the figure of Mrs. Forbes waiting below, she started and movedon. 

"That's right. Come along, " said the housekeeper. "Mr. Evringham likeseverybody to be punctual in his house. "

"Oh, has grandpa come home?" inquired Jewel eagerly. 

"No, he won't be home for hours yet. Come this way. "

The little girl followed to the dining-room, which she thought quite aswonderful as the clock; but her admiration of all she saw was no longerunmixed. Mrs. Forbes seemed to cast a shadow. 

One place was laid at the table, one handsome chair was drawn up to it. Jewel longed to call Anna Belle's attention to the glittering array onthe sideboard and behind the crystal doors of cabinets, but somethingwithheld her. 

She looked questioningly at the housekeeper. "I think I'll draw upanother chair for Anna Belle, " she said. 

Mrs. Forbes had already decided, from small signs of assurance, thatthis Western child was bold. "Give her an inch, and she'll take an ell, "she had said to herself. "I know her sort. "

"Do you mean the doll?" she returned. "Put it down anywhere. You mustnever bring it to the table. Mr. Evringham wouldn't like it. "

In silence Jewel seated the doll in the nearest chair against the wall, and as she slid up into her own, a neat maid appeared with a puffy andappetizing omelet. 

Mrs. Forbes filled the child's glass with water, and the maid set downthe omelet and departed. 

Jewel's heart sank while Mrs. Forbes presented the souffle. 

"I'm sorry, " she began hesitatingly, "I never--I can't"--then sheswallowed hard in her desperate plight. "Isn't it pretty?" she saidrather breathlessly. 

"It's very good, " returned the housekeeper briefly, misconstruing thechild's hesitation. "Shall I help you?"

"I--could I have a drink of milk? I don't--I don't eat eggs. "

"Don't eat eggs?" repeated the housekeeper severely. "I'm sorry youhave been allowed to be notional. Children should eat what is set beforethem. Taste of it. "

"I--I couldn't, please. " Jewel's face was averted. 

Mrs. Forbes touched an electric bell. The maid reappeared. "Remove theomelet, Sarah, and bring Miss Julia a glass of milk. "

That was the order, but oh, the tone of it! Jewel's heart beat a littlefaster as she took some bread and butter and drank the milk, Mrs. Forbesstanding by, a portentous, solemn, black-robed figure, awful in itssilence. 

When the child set down the glass empty, she started to push back herchair. 

"Wait, " said Mrs. Forbes laconically. She again touched an electricbell. The maid reappeared, removed the bread and milk and served adainty dessert of preserved peaches, cream, and cake. 

"I've really had enough, " said Jewel politely. 

"Don't you eat peaches and cream, or cake either?" asked Mrs. Forbesaccusingly. 

"Yes'm, " returned the child, and ate them without further ado. 

"Your trunk has come, " said Mrs. Forbes when at last Jewel slipped downfrom the table. "I will come up and help you unpack it. "

"If only she wouldn't!" thought the child as she lifted Anna Belle, butthe housekeeper preceded her up the stairs, breathing rather heavily. 

Sure enough, when they reached the white room, there stood the new trunkthat had been packed with so much anticipation. The bright black letterson the side, J. E. , had power even now to send a little glow of pridethrough its possessor. She stole a glance at Mrs. Forbes, but, strangeas it may appear, the housekeeper gave no evidence of admiration. 

"I don't need to trouble you, Mrs. Forbes. I can unpack it, " said thechild. 

"I'm up here now, and anyway, I'd better show you where to keep yourthings. Where's your key?"

Jewel laid down the doll and opened her leather side-bag, producing thekey tied with a little ribbon. 

Mrs. Forbes unlocked the trunk, lifted out the tray, and began in abusiness-like manner to dispose of the small belongings that had lastbeen handled so tenderly. 

"Mrs. Harry certainly knows how to pack, " ran her thoughts, "and she'dnaturally know how to sew. These things are as neat as wax, and thechild's well fixed. " In the tray, among other things, were a number ofdoll's clothes, some writing materials, a box of different colored hairribbons, and a few books. 

"Glad to see a Bible, " thought Mrs. Forbes. "Shows Mrs. Harry isrespectable. " She glanced at the three other books. One was a copy of"Heidi, " one was "Alice in Wonderland, " and the third a small black bookwith the design of a cross and crown in gilt on the cover. Mrs. Forbeslooked from this up at the child. 

"What's this? Some kind of a daily book, Julia?"

"I--yes, I read it every day. "

"Well, I hope you'll be faithful now your mother's gone. She's taken thetrouble to put it in. "

Jewel's eyes had caught a glimpse of green color. Eagerly she reacheddown into the trunk and drew out carefully a dress in tiny checks ofgreen and white. 

"That's my silk dress, " she said, regarding it fondly. 

"It is very neatly made, " returned Mrs. Forbes repressively. "It doesn'tmatter at all what little girls have on if they are clean and neat. Itonly matters that they shall be obedient and good. "

Jewel regarded her with the patience which children exercise towardthe inevitable. "I'd like to fix Anna Belle's drawer myself, " she saidmodestly. 

"Very well, you may. Now here are your shoes and slippers, but I don'tfind any rubbers. "

"No, I never wear rubbers. "

"What? Doesn't it rain in Chicago?"

"Oh yes indeed, it rains. "

"Then you must get your feet wet. I think you better have had rubbersthan a silk dress! What was your mother thinking of?"

Jewel sighed vaguely. She wondered how soon Mrs. Forbes would go away. 

This happy event occurred before long, and the little girl amusedherself for a while with rearranging somewhat the closet and drawers. Then putting on her hat and taking her doll with her, she stole quietlydown the thickly carpeted stairs, and opening the heavy hall door, wentout upon the piazza. It was sheltered from the wind, and wicker chairswere scattered about. Jewel looked off curiously amid the trees to whereshe knew, by her father's description, she should find, after a fewminutes' ramble, the ravine and brook. Pretty soon she would wander outthere. Just now the sun was warm here, and the roomy chairs held outinviting arms. The child climbed into one of them. Father would comeback here some happy day and find her. The thought brought a smile, and with the smile on her lips, her head fell back against a yieldingcushion, and in a minute she had fallen asleep. Anna Belle toppledover backward. Her plumed hat was pushed rakishly askew, but little shecared. Her eyelids had fallen, too. 

Mrs. Evringham and Eloise, returning late from their luncheon, came uponthe little sleeping figure as they walked around the long piazza. 

"There she is!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringham softly, putting up herlorgnette. "Behold your rival!"

Eloise regarded the sleeper without curiosity. 

"At least she has not come uninvited, " was her only comment. 

"But she has come unwelcome, my dear, " returned Mrs. Evringham withrelish. "Just wait until our gracious host realizes what he has lethimself in for. Oh, there's a good time coming, you may be sure. Hush, don't waken her! It would be a blessed dispensation if she were alwaysto sleep while her grandfather is absent, " and Mrs. Evringham led theway into the house, her laces fluttering. 

On the first landing the ladies met Mrs. Forbes, troubled ofcountenance. 

"I am looking for the child Julia, " she said. "I can't think where shecan have disappeared. "

"You've not far to seek, " returned Mrs. Evringham airily. "She is asleepon the piazza. "

"Thank you. " Mrs. Forbes hastened downstairs and out of doors. Glancingabout she quickly perceived the short legs stretched in a recliningchair, and advanced toward the relaxed little figure. 

"Julia, wake up!" she said, touching her. 

The child stirred and opened her eyes. Her movement made the doll slipto the floor, and this caused her to come to herself suddenly. 

"Why, I fell asleep, didn't I?" she said drowsily, reaching for thedoll. 

"Yes, and in Mr. Evringham's own chair!" responded Mrs. Forbes. 

"They're all his, aren't they?" asked the child. 

"Yes, but this is his special favorite, where he always lies to rest. Remember!" returned Mrs. Forbes. "Come right upstairs now and changeyour dress for dinner. He will be coming home in a few minutes. "

"Oh, good!" exclaimed Jewel with satisfaction, and passed into thehouse. Mrs. Forbes was following ponderously. "Oh, you don't need tocome with me, " protested the child earnestly. "I can do it all myself. "

"Are you sure?" doubtfully. 

"Oh, ye--es!" replied the little girl, running lightly up the stairs. 

"I ought to put her on the second floor, " mused Mrs. Forbes, "if I'vegot to be running up and down; but I suppose she has done for herself agreat deal. I suppose the mother hadn't time to be bothered. I'd like tomake Mamzell change rooms with her. "

Jewel hummed a tune as she took off her sailor suit, performed herablutions, and then went to her closet to choose a frock for dinner. Shedecided on a blue dress with white dots chiefly because she wouldnot have to change her hair ribbons. She had never herself tied thosevoluminous bows. 

At last she was ready and danced toward the door, but some noveltimidity made her hesitate and go back sedately to the chair by thewindow. Mrs. Forbes's impressive figure seemed to loom up with an orderto her to wait the summons of the gong. 

She sat there for what seemed a very long time, and at last a knocksounded at the door. Perhaps grandpa had come up. Jewel flew to open tohim--and saw the white capped maid who had appeared at luncheon. 

"They are all at table, and Mr. Evringham wishes you to come down, " shesaid. 

"But I was waiting for the gong. "

"We only have that at noon. "

Jewel's feet flew down the stairs. Her grandfather had sent for her. Shewas eager to reach him, yet when she entered the dining-room, her littleface all alight, it was not so easy to run to him as she had fancied. 

He sat stiffly at the foot of the table. Opposite him was aunt Madge, and at her left sat the prettiest young lady the child had ever seen. 

Mrs. Forbes stood near Mr. Evringham, looking very serious. 

Jewel took in all this at a glance, and contenting herself with greetingher grandfather's lifted eyes with a smile, she ran to Mrs. Evringhamand turned her back. 

"There's just one button in the middle, aunt Madge, that I can't reach, "she explained softly. 

Every eye at the table was regarding the child curiously, but she tookno note of any one but her grandfather, and her dress buttoned, sheran to her chair and slid up on its smooth morocco. Eloise observed thelittle girl's loving expression. 

"I am sorry you are late, Julia, " said Mr. Evringham. 

"Yes, so am I, grandpa, " was the prompt response. "I wanted to be downhere as soon as you came home, but I thought I ought to wait for thegong, and then it didn't ring. "

Her eyes roved to where, directly opposite, the beautiful young lady wasregarding her soberly. 

Mrs. Evringham spoke. "That is your cousin Eloise, Julia. "

Eloise inclined her graceful head, but made no further recognition ofthe child's admiring look. 

"They haven't met before?" said Mr. Evringham, looking from one to theother. 

"No, " returned Mrs. Evringham with her most gracious manner. "It justhappened that Eloise and I were engaged at luncheon to-day, and when wereturned the little girl was taking a nap. "

By this time Mrs. Forbes had brought Jewel's soup and she was eating. She looked up brightly at Mr. Evringham. 

"Yes, grandpa, I went to sleep in your big chair on the piazza. I didn'tknow it was your special chair until Mrs. Forbes waked me up. "

Her grandfather regarded her from under his heavy brows. He wasresenting the fact that Eloise had made no effort to welcome the child. "Indeed?" he returned. "What did she wake you up for?"

"Because it was time to get ready for dinner, " returned Jewel. "Itreminded me of the story of Golden Hair, when she had gone to sleep onthe bear's bed, the way Mrs. Forbes said, 'This is your grandfather'schair!'"

She looked around the table, expectant of sympathy. Only Mrs. Evringhamseemed to wish to laugh, and she was making heroic efforts not to do so. Lovely Eloise kept her serious eyes downcast. 

"Ha!" ejaculated Mr. Evringham, after a lightning glance of suspicionat his daughter-in-law. "I think I remember something about that. ButGolden Hair tried three beds, I believe. "

"Yes, she did, but you see there wasn't any little bear's chair on thepiazza. "

"Very true. Very true. "

"Golden Hair was a great beauty, I believe, " suggested Mrs. Evringham, looking at the child oddly. "She had yellow hair like yours. "

Jewel put up a quick hand to the short tight braid which ended behindher ear. "Oh no, long, lovely, floating hair. Don't you remember?"

"It's a good while since I read it, " returned Mrs. Evringham, laughinglow and glancing at Eloise. Her father-in-law sent her a look ofdispleasure and turned back to Jewel. 

"Dr. Ballard found you on the train, I suppose?"

"Yes, grandpa. We had a nice time. He is a very kind man. " The childglanced across at her cousin again. She wished cousin Eloise would lifther eyes and not look so sorry. "I wonder, " she added aloud, "why Dr. Ballard called cousin Eloise a little girl. "

No one spoke, so Mrs. Evringham broke the momentary silence. "Did he?"she asked. 

"Yes, he said that my cousin Eloise was a very charming little girl. "

Jewel wondered why Eloise flushed and looked still sorrier, and why auntMadge raised her napkin and turned her laugh into a cough. Perhaps itteased young ladies to be called little girls. Jewel regretted havingmentioned it. 

"I guess he was just April-fooling me, " she suggested comfortingly, andthe insistence of her soft gaze was such that Eloise looked up and met asmile so irresistible, that in spite of herself, her expression relaxed. 

The softened look was a relief to the child. "I've heard about you, ofcourse, cousin Eloise, " she said, "and I couldn't forget, because yourname is so nice and--and slippery. Eloise Evringham. Eloise Evringham. It sounds just like--like--oh, like sliding down the banisters. Don'tyou think so?"

Eloise smiled a little. "I hadn't thought of it, " she returned, thenrelapsed into quiet. 

Mrs. Forbes's countenance was stony. "Children should be seen and notheard, " was her doctrine, and this dressmaker's child had an assurancebeyond belief. She seemed to feel no awe whatever in her grandfather'spresence. 

The housekeeper caught Jewel's eye and gave her such a quenching lookthat thenceforward the little girl succumbed to the silence which theothers seemed to prefer. 

After dinner she would have a good visit with grandpa and talk aboutwhen father was a little boy. Her hopes were dashed, for just as theywere rising from the table, a man was announced, with whom Mr. Evringhamcloseted himself in the library. 

In the drawing-room aunt Madge and cousin Eloise both set themselves atletter-writing, and entirely ignored Jewel. The child looked listlesslyat a book with pictures, which she found on the table, until half-pasteight, when Mrs. Forbes came to say it was time for her to go to bed. 

She rose and stood a moment, turning hesitatingly from her aunt to hercousin. 

"Oh, is it bedtime?" asked aunt Madge, looking up from her letter. "Good-night, Julia. I hope you'll sleep well. " Then she returned to herwriting. 

Eloise bit her lip as she regarded the little girl with a moment'shesitation, but no, she had decided on her plan of action. Mrs. Forbeswas observing her. Eloise knew the housekeeper's attitude toward themwas defensive, if not offensive. "Good-night, " she said briefly, andlooked down again. 

"Good-night, " returned Jewel quietly, and went out. 

In the hall she hesitated. "I want to say good-night to grandpa, " shesaid. 

"Well, you can't, " returned Mrs. Forbes decidedly. "He is talkingbusiness and mustn't be disturbed. "

She followed the child up the staircase. 

"I could go to bed alone, if I only knew where the matches are. "

"You said you could dress alone, but you had to ask Mrs. Evringham tobutton your frock. Remember after this that I am the one to ask. She andMiss Eloise don't want to be bothered. "

"Is it a bother to do a kindness?" asked Jewel in a subdued tone. 

"To some folks it is, " was the response. They had reached the door ofthe child's room; "but some folks can see their duty and do it, " sheadded virtuously. 

Jewel realized regretfully that her present companion belonged to thelatter class. 

"Now here, right inside the door, " proceeded Mrs. Forbes, "is theswitch. There's electricity all over this house, and you don't needany matches. See?" Mrs. Forbes turned the switch and the white room wasflooded with light. 

A few hours ago this magic would have evoked much enthusiasm. Even nowJewel was pleased to turn the light on and off several times, as Mrs. Forbes told her to do. 

"Now I'll see if you can undress yourself, " said the housekeeper. Jewel's deft fingers flew over the buttons in her eagerness to prove herindependence. When at last she stood in her little white nightgown, soneat and fine in its small decorations, Mrs. Forbes said, "Do you wantme to hear you say your prayers?"

"No, I thank you. " With her hasty response Jewel promptly jumped intothe bed, from which the white spread had been removed. 

"I hope you always say them, " said Mrs. Forbes, regarding herundecidedly. 

"Yes'm, I always do. "

The child cuddled down under the covers with her face to the wall, lestMrs. Forbes should see a further duty and do it. 

"You ought to say them on your knees, " continued the housekeeper. 

"I'd just as lief, " replied Jewel, "but I don't believe God cares. "

"Well, " returned Mrs. Forbes solemnly, "it is a matter for your ownconscience, Julia, if your mother didn't train you to it. Good-night. "

"Good-night, " came faintly from beneath the bedclothes. 

Mrs. Forbes turned off the light and went out, closing the door behindher. 

"If she'd always speak when she's spoken to, and be quiet and modest asshe is with me, she'd be a very well-behaved child, " she soliloquized. "I could train her. I shouldn't wonder at all if her mother should see agreat difference in her when she comes back. "

The housekeeper went heavily downstairs. Jewel, pushing off thebedclothes, listened attentively to the retiring steps, and when theycould no longer be heard, she jumped out of bed nimbly, and feeling forthe electric switch, turned on the light. Her breath was coming ratherunevenly, and she ran over the soft carpet to where her doll lay. Catching her up, she pressed her to her breast, then sitting down in thebig chair, she began to undress her, crossing one little bare foot overthe other knee to make a lap. 

"Darling Anna Belle, did you think I'd forgotten you?" she askedbreathlessly. "Did you think you weren't going to have any one tokiss you good-night? It's hard not to have any one you love kiss yougood-night. " Jewel dashed her hand across her eyes quickly, then wentswiftly on with her work. "You might have known that I was only waitinguntil that--that giantess went away. She wouldn't let me bring you downto dinner, dearie, but you didn't miss anything. Poor grandpa, I don'twonder any longer that he doesn't look happy. He has the sorriest peopleall around him that you ever saw. He lives in a big, beautiful castle, but it's Castle Discord. I named it that at dinner. Nobody lovesone another. Of course grandpa loves me, because I'm his own littlegrandchild, but he's too sorry to show it. The beautiful enchantedmaiden, and the Error fairy, and the giantess, are all making discordaround him. A little flat is better than a big castle, isn't it? We knowa flat--let's call it Harmony Flat, Anna Belle. Perhaps if we're very, _very_, good, we'll get back there some time. " Jewel suddenly pressedthe doll's nightdress against her wet eyes. "Don't, don't, dearie! Iknow it does seem a year since--since the boat this morning. If all thedays were as long as this, we'd be very, very old when father and mothercome home. " The soft voice broke in a sob. "I don't know what I shoulddo if you weren't a Christian Scientist, Anna Belle. We'll help eachother all we can. Now come--come into bed and say your prayers. "

"Say your--your prayer first, dearie, " she whispered, sobbing:--

 "'Father, Mother, God, Loving me, -- Guard me when I sleep; Guide my little feet Up to Thee. '

"Now you'll feel--better, dearie. In a minute you won't be so--homesickfor--for--father and mother. Hush, while I say mine. "

Jewel repeated the Lord's Prayer. When she had finished, her breathstill caught convulsively, so she continued:--

"Dear Father, Mother, God, loving me, help me to know that I am closeto Thee. Help me to remember that things that are unhappy aren't realthings. Help me to know that everything is good and harmonious, and thatthe people in this castle are Thy children, even if they do seem to haveeyes like fishes. Help me to love one another, even the giantess, andplease show grandpa how to meet error. Please let Dr. Ballard come tosee me soon, because he has kind eyes, and I'm sure he doesn't know it'swrong to believe in materia medica. Please take more care of father andmother than anything, and say 'Peace be still' if the wind blows thesea. I know, dear Father in Heaven, that Thou dost not forget anything, but I say it to make me feel better. I am Thy little Jewel, and AnnaBelle loves Thee, too. Take us into the everlasting arms of Love whilewe go to sleep. Amen. "

Jewel brushed away the tears as she ceased, and with her usual quicknessof motion, jumped out of bed to get a handkerchief. Turning on theelectric light, she went to the chair over which hung the dotted dress. She remembered having slipped a clean handkerchief into its pocketbefore going to dinner. 

In reaching for it her fingers encountered a scrap of paper in thedepths of the pocket. She drew it forth. It was folded. She opened itand found it written over in a clear round hand. 

"Is my little darling loving every one around her? People do not alwaysseem lovely at first, but remember that every one is lovable because heis a thought of God. Those who seem unlovely are always unhappy, too, in their hearts. We must help them, and the best way to help is to love. Mother is thinking about her little Jewel, and no seas can divide us. "

A slow smile gladdened the child's tear-stained face. She read themessage again, then turned out the light for the last time and cuddleddown in bed, her warm cheek pressing the scrap of paper in her hand, herbreath still catching. 

"Mother has spoken to us, Anna Belle, " she whispered, clasping thedoll close. "Wasn't it just like God to let her!" Then she fell asleepsmiling. 

CHAPTER VIII

A HAPPY BREAKFAST

Mrs. Forbes was on the porch next morning when Mr. Evringham returnedfrom his canter. 

"Fine morning, Mrs. Forbes, " he said, as he gave Essex Maid into Zeke'shands. 

"Very fine. A regular weather breeder. It'll most probably rainto-morrow, and what I wanted to speak to you about, Mr. Evringham, is, that the child hasn't any rubbers. "

"Indeed? What else does she need?"

"Well, nothing that I can see. Her things are all good, and she's gotenough of them. The trouble is she says she has never worn rubbers anddoesn't want to, and if she gets sick I shall have to take care of her;so I hope, sir, you'll say that she must have them. "

"Not wear them? Of course she must wear them, " returned Mr. Evringhambrusquely. "Get them to-day, if convenient, Mrs. Forbes. "

The housekeeper looked relieved. 

"I hope she's not making you any trouble, eh?" added Mr. Evringham. 

"Not any more than she can help, I suppose, " was the grudging reply. "She's a smart child, and being an only one, she's some notional. Shewon't eat this and that, and doesn't want to wear rubbers, but she'shandy and neat, and is used to doing for herself; her mother hasn't hadtime to fuss with her, of course, and that's lucky for me. She seemsvery well behaved, considering. "

Jewel had made heroic efforts while Mrs. Forbes assisted at her morningtoilet, and this was her reward. 

"Well, we mustn't have you imposed upon, " returned Mr. Evringham, feeling guilty of the situation. "The child must obey you implicitly, implicitly. "

So saying he passed into the house, and after making a change in histoilet, entered the dining-room. There he was seated, deep in hisnewspaper and waiting for his coffee, when the door opened, light feetran to him, and an arm was thrown around his neck. He looked up to meeta happy smile, and before he could realize who had captured him, Jewelpressed a fervent kiss upon his cheek. 

"Oh, grandpa, how nice and cold your cheek feels! Have you been outdoors already?"

Mr. Evringham could feel the said cheek grow hot in surprise at thisonslaught. He held himself stiffly and uncomfortably in the encirclingarm. 

"Yes, I've been out on horseback, " he returned shortly. "I go everymorning. "

Jewel's eyes sparkled. "Oh, I'm so glad. Then I can watch you. I love tosee anybody ride. When I see a beautiful horse something inside me getswarm. Father says I like just the same things he does. I must let youread your paper, grandpa, but may I say one thing more?"

"Yes. "

"I didn't come last evening to kiss you good-night because you hadsomebody with you in the library, and, the giant--and Mrs. Forbeswouldn't let me; but I wanted to. You know I wanted to, don't you? Ifelt all sorry inside because I couldn't. You know you're the only realrelation I have in the castle"--Here Mrs. Forbes's entrance with thecoffee interrupted the confidence, and Jewel, with a last surreptitioussqueeze of Mr. Evringham's neck, intended to finish her sentenceeloquently, left him and went to her chair. 

"You're to sit here this morning, " said Mrs. Forbes, indicating theplace opposite her employer. "Mrs. Evringham and her daughter don't comedown to breakfast. "

Jewel looked up eagerly. "Not ever?" she asked. 

"Never. "

The child shot a radiant glance across at her grandfather which hecaught, the thread of his business calculations having been hopelesslybroken. "Oh, grandpa, we're always going to have breakfast alonetogether!" she said joyously. Noting Mrs. Forbes's set countenance, sheadded apologetically, "They're so pretty, cousin Eloise and aunt Madge, I love to look at them, but they aren't my real relations, and, " herface gladdening again, "to think of having breakfast alone with you, grandpa, makes me feel as if--as if I had a birthday!"

Mr. Evringham cleared his throat. The situation might have been a littleeasier if Mrs. Forbes had not been present, but as it was, he had neverfelt so embarrassed in his life. 

"Now eat your oatmeal, Julia, " said the housekeeper repressively. "Mr. Evringham always reads his paper at breakfast. "

"Yes, " replied the child with docility. She poured the cream from asmall silver pitcher with a neatness that won Mrs. Forbes's approval;and Mr. Evringham read over headlines in the paper, while he sipped hiscoffee, without understanding in the least the meaning of the words. Mrs. Forbes was right. Discipline must be maintained. This was the timeduring which he wished to read his paper, and it was most astonishing tobe so vigorously taken possession of by an utter stranger. Now was thetime to repress her if she were to be repressed. Mrs. Forbes was right. After a while he glanced across at the child. She looked very smalland clean, and she was ready with a quick smile for him; but she put alittle forefinger against her lips jocosely. He cleared his throat againand averted his eyes, rumpling the paper as he turned a leaf. 

Mrs. Forbes left the room with the oatmeal dishes. 

Jewel leaned forward quickly. "Grandpa, " she said earnestly, "if youwould declare every day, over and over, that no error could come nearyour house, I think she would go away of her own accord. "

Mr. Evringham stared, open paper in hand. "What? Who?"

"Mrs. Forbes. "

"Go away? Mrs. Forbes? What are you thinking of! I couldn't get onwithout Mrs. Forbes. "

"Oh!" Jewel leaned back with the long-drawn exclamation. "I thought shewas what made you look sorry. "

"No indeed. I have enough things to make me sorry, but she isn't one ofthem. "

"Do you like her?" wonderingly. 

"I--why--I respect her profoundly. "

"Oh! It must be lots easier to respect her pro--the way you do, than tolike her; but, " with firm lips, "I've got to love her. I told Anna Belleso this morning, and especially if you want her to stay. "

"Bless my soul!" Mr. Evringham looked in dismay as his _vis-à-vis_. "Youmust be very careful, Julia, not to offend or trouble her in any way, "he said. 

"All right, grandpa, I will, and then will you do me a favor too?"

"I must hear it first. "

"Would you mind calling me Jewel? You know it isn't any matter about therest, because they're not my real relations, but Julia is mother's name, and Jewel is mine; and when I love people very much, I like them to callme Jewel. "

Mrs. Forbes here entered with a tray, and Mr. Evringham merely said, "Very well, " twice over, and retreated into his newspaper. 

On the tray were boiled eggs. Jewel glanced quickly up at Mrs. Forbes'simpassive face. She might have remembered. Probably she did remember. 

Life had not taught the child to be shy, as has been evidenced; soalthough Mrs. Forbes was an awing experience, she felt strong in thepresence of her important grandfather, and only kept silence now inorder not to interrupt his reading. 

When at last he laid down his paper and began to chip an egg, Jewelglanced at those which Mrs. Forbes had set before her. Her little facehad grown very serious. 

"Grandpa, do you think it's error for me not to like eggs?" she asked. "Mother never said it was. She was willing I should eat something else. "

"Of course, eat whatever you like, " responded Mr. Evringham quickly. 

Mrs. Forbes seemed to swell and grow pink. "You always have eggs, sir, and if there's two breakfasts to be got, will you kindly tell me whatthe other shall be?"

Mr. Evringham glanced up in some surprise at the unfamiliar tone. 

"Oh, the oatmeal is a plenty, " said Jewel, looking at the housekeeper, eager to mollify her. 

"Try an egg. Perhaps you'll like them by this time, " suggested Mr. Evringham. 

"Do you like everything to eat, grandpa?"

Mr. Evringham, being most arbitrary and peculiar in his tastes, couldonly gain time by clearing his throat again, and taking a drink ofcoffee. 

"Mrs. Forbes will bring you a glass of milk, I dare say, " he returnedat last, without looking up; and the housekeeper turned with ponderousobedience and left the room. 

Nimbly Jewel slid down from her chair, and running around the table toher grandfather's place, put both her arms around his neck and whisperedto him eagerly and swiftly, "If you have such a pro--something respectfor Mrs. Forbes, and it makes her sorry because I won't eat eggs, perhaps I ought to. If it offends thy brother to have you eat meat, youmustn't, the Bible says, so I suppose, if it makes Mrs. Forbes turn redand perhaps get the stomach ache to have me not eat eggs, I ought to;but grandpa, if you decide I must, please let me wait till to-morrowmorning, so I can say the Scientific Statement of Being all day--"

Here Mrs. Forbes entered with a glass of milk on a little tray. Shestood transfixed at the sight that met her. 

"That child hasn't the fear of man before her eyes!" she ejaculatedmentally, then she marched forward and deposited the milk beside Jewel'sempty plate, while the child ran back and took her seat. 

Mr. Evringham, gazing at his visitor in mute astonishment, was muchdisconcerted to receive a confiding gesture of raised shoulders andeyebrows, which, combined with a little smile, plainly signified thatthey had been caught. He took up his newspaper mechanically. 

He had never had a daughter, and caresses had seldom passed betweenhim and his children. His duties as a family man had always beenperfunctory. He was tingling now from the surprise of Jewel's action, the feeling of the little gingham clad arms about his neck, the touchof the rose-leaf skin as she swept his cheek and ear in her emphatichalf-whisper. 

His mental processes were stiff when the subject related to thingsapart from the stock market, his horses, and golf, but he was finallyunderstanding that his granddaughter had come to Bel-Air, prepared byaccounts which had cast a glamour over everything and everybody in it. She had evidently found Mrs. Forbes fall below her expectations. He hadbeen disillusioned concerning Mrs. Evringham and Eloise. As yet the halowith which he himself had been invested was intact. Was it to remainso? He still saw how foolish he had been to send for the child. Hestill wished, of course, that she was in Chicago now, instead of sittingacross there from him in crisp short skirts, her head and shoulders onlyshowing above the high table, and a little smile of good understandingwaiting for him each time he looked up. 

He had done very well during a lifetime without being hugged, yet theinnocent incense, which had been rising spontaneously before him eversince the child entered the dining-room, had a strangely sweet savor. Such was the joy of breakfast alone with him that it made her feel as ifshe had a birthday! Perfectly absurd! Quite the most absurd thing thathe had ever heard in his life. 

Mrs. Forbes spoke. "Perhaps it is to be the same way about the rubbers, Mr. Evringham!" she said, much flushed. "Perhaps you will not insistupon Julia wearing rubbers!"

"Oh yes, yes, certainly, " returned Mr. Evringham hastily, anxiousto reinstate himself. "I wish you to have a pair of rubbers at once, Julia--Jewel. You surely don't mean that your mother has allowed you towet your feet. "

"I--I never noticed, grandpa, but, " hopefully, "she lets me wet myhands, so why not my feet?"

"Bless me, what ignorance! Because the soles of your feet have largepores through which to catch cold. Hasn't any one ever told you that?"

Jewel smiled. "That would be a queer arrangement for God to make, don'tyou think?" she asked softly. "Just as if He expected us to walk on ourhands. "

Mrs. Forbes's eyes widened, and an irrepressible "Well!" escaped fromher lips. "Has that young one reverence for anything in heaven above orearth beneath?" she queried mentally. 

Mr. Evringham managed to recover himself sufficiently to say, "Youshouldn't speak so, Jewel. "

"But you know how it was about the tree of knowledge, grandpa, " repliedthe child earnestly. "God told Adam not to eat of it, because then he'dbelieve in good _and_ evil, and that always makes such lots and _lots_of trouble. The Indians don't have to wear rubbers. "

"Drink your milk, Jewel, " returned Mr. Evringham uncomfortably, nothaving the temerity to lift his eyes as high as his housekeeper'scountenance. "No matter about the Indians. You are a civilized littlegirl, and you must wear rubbers while you live with me. Mrs. Forbes willvery kindly buy them for you. "

"Oh, I have money, " returned Jewel brightly. "I have three dollars, "she added, trying not to say it boastfully. "Fifty cents for every weekfather and mother are going to be away. "

Mr. Evringham wiped his mustache. "You need not spend any of it for therubbers, " he returned. "You are buying those to please me. "

"I shall love to wear them to please you, grandpa, " she returnedaffectionately. "I'll put them on every time I can think of it. "

"Only when it is wet, of course, " he said. "When it is rainy. "

"Oh yes, " she returned, "when it's rainy. "

"Harry looked like my father, and she does, by Jove, " mused Mr. Evringham. "She's like me. Knows what she wants to eat, and cares for ahorse, if she is a strange little being. "

"You say you like horses?" he remarked suddenly. 

"I just love them, " answered Jewel, "and I came real close to them once. Father took me to the horse show. "

"He did, eh?"

"Yes, he told mother he was going to blow me to it. " The child laughed. "Father's the greatest joker; he says the funniest things. He didn'tblow me to it at all. He took me in the cable car, and we had more_fun_! It was the most be--eautiful place you ever saw. "

"It was, eh?"

"Yes. The music was playing, and there were coaches and four-in-handsand horns and men in red coats and beautiful little shiny carriages--andthe horses! Oh, they all looked so proud and glad, and they trotted andran and jumped over high fences, and the harness jingled and the peoplecheered!" The child's cheeks were glowing. 

Mr. Evringham gave an exclamation that was almost a laugh. "You didn'tsleep much that night, I'll wager!"

"No, I didn't want to. I stayed awake a long time to realize that Goddoesn't love one of His children any better than another, so of coursesome time I'll wear a tall shiny hat and ride over fences just likeflying. I'll have a horse, " Jewel added slowly, looking off with a raptexpression as at a long-cherished vision, "with a white star in hisforehead!"

"H'm! Very good taste, " returned Mr. Evringham, scarcely knowing what hewas saying, so dazed was he by the extraordinary mixture of ideas. 

After breakfast he had his usual interview with Mrs. Forbes concerningthe important event of dinner. Jewel had run upstairs to dress AnnaBelle. 

The menu decided upon, Mr. Evringham still lingered. 

"Mrs. Forbes, I have never had any experience with little girls. Youhave, no doubt, " he said. "Am I right in thinking that my granddaughteris--is a rather unusual specimen?"

"She's older than Dick's hatband, sir, " rejoined the housekeeperpromptly. 

"Are they, perhaps, teaching differently in the schools from what theyused to?"

"Not that I know of, Mr. Evringham. "

"She uses very unusual expressions. I can't make it out. You are anintelligent woman, Mrs. Forbes. Did you ever happen to hear of such athing as the--a--a--Scientific Statement of Being!"

"Never in my life, sir, " returned the housekeeper virtuously. 

"Extraordinary language that, from a--a child of her years. She seemsto have been peculiarly brought up. You heard her reference to--in factto--the Creator. "

"I did, sir. At the breakfast table, too! I was as shocked as you were, sir. Her mother put a Bible into her trunk, but it's plain she nevertaught her any reverence. The Almighty give her a jumping horse indeed!If you'll excuse me, Mr. Evringham, I think you should have saidsomething right there. "

The broker pulled his mustache. "I've listened to more unreasonableviews of heaven, " he returned. 

"Do you think it was heaven she was talking about!"

Mr. Evringham shrugged his shoulders. "You can't prove anything by me. She's the most extraordinary child I ever listened to. "

Mrs. Forbes pursed her lips. "You'd not believe, sir, how differentlyshe behaves when she is alone with me. As mild-mannered and quiet asyou'd wish to see anywhere. She scarcely speaks a word. "

Mr. Evringham bit his lip and nodded. It gave him some amusement inthe midst of his perplexity to remember the manner in which he had beenadvised to exorcise this tower of strength altogether. 

"It's my opinion, sir, that children should be made to eat what is setbefore them, " went on Mrs. Forbes, reverting to her principal grievance. 

"It would save you a lot of trouble if I had been trained that way--eh, Mrs. Forbes?" returned the other, with extraordinary lightness. 

"You are a very different thing, I should hope!" exclaimed Mrs. Forbessolemnly. 

"Yes, about fifty years different. Hard to teach an old dog new tricks, eh? You might have some chops for her luncheon, perhaps, and an extraone for her breakfast. She hasn't eaten anything this morning. "

For the first time an order from Mr. Evringham evoked no reply fromhis housekeeper. He felt the weight of her disapproval. "But get theovershoes by all means, as soon as convenient, " he made haste to add. "Ring for Zeke, if you please, Mrs. Forbes. I must be off. "

CHAPTER IX

A SHOPPING EXPEDITION

The housekeeper warned Jewel not to run out of doors that morning as shewished to accompany her to the shoe store. 

"I'm not going to take you, Anna Belle, " Jewel said to her doll. "Idon't like to ask the giantess if I may, and of course, it won't be avery good time anyway, so you be patient and we'll go out together thisafternoon. "

Mrs. Forbes's long widow's veil, a decoration she never had discardedhung low over her black gown as she stepped deliberately down the stairsfrom her barn chamber. 

"I am going with the little girl, Zeke, to buy her a pair of rubbers, "she announced to her son. 

"Going foot-back? Why don't you have out the 'broom'? Onegranddaughter's got as good a right to it as the other, hasn't she?"

"I should say so, but that child, Zeke, in addition to her wonderfulboldness this morning with Mr. Evringham, that I told you about, isperfectly crazy over horses. "

"H'm. That don't surprise me. A young one that can stand up to thegovernor wouldn't be afraid of anything in the way of horseflesh. "

"So I decided, " continued Mrs. Forbes, pulling on her roomy blackgloves, "that it would be better for her to go this morning in thetrolley. "

"You _did_? Well if that ain't a regular step-mother act!" returnedZeke in protest. "The kid had a bully time coming home from the depotyesterday. Dick felt good, and he just lit out. I tell you her eyesshone. "

"I like to do what's best for folks in the end, " declared Mrs. Forbesvirtuously. "Julia's parents are poor, and likely to be. She's onlygoing to be here six weeks, and what is the sense of encouraging a tasteshe can't ever indulge? No, I'll take her in the trolley. It's a nicemorning, and I shan't mind the walk down to the gate. " The speakermarched with the dignity which was always inseparable from the veiltoward the back door of the house to give some last orders, and Zekelounged out with his rake toward the grounds at the front. There hecaught sight of a small figure in hat and jacket waiting on the piazza. He turned toward it, and Jewel advanced with a smile of recognition. She had had to look twice to identify her fine plum-colored companion ofyesterday's drive with this youth in shirt sleeves and a soft old hat. 

"Well, little girl, how are you getting on?" he asked. 

"Pretty well, thank you. " Her beaming expression left no doubt that shewas very glad to see him. 

"Not particularly flattering if she is, " he mused. "Fine ladies not outof their rooms yet, and ma doin' her duty by her to beat the band. "

"Where's your doll?" he asked. 

"I didn't bring her. I thought perhaps the--Mrs. Forbes would--wouldjust as lief she didn't come. "

"Ma _hasn't_ played with dolls for quite a spell, " agreed Zeke, with asmile that was sunshine to the child. 

"You live out in the barn with the horses, don't you?" she askedeagerly. "Will you give me permission to go out there some time?"

"Sure. Come any time. "

"Mrs. Forbes said I must ask permission, " responded the child withan apprehensive glance behind her to see if her escort were arriving. "What--what is your name?"

"Forgotten this soon? I told you Zeke. "

"I thought you did, but your mother said it was something verydifferent. "

"Ezekiel, perhaps. "

"Yes, that's it. I won't forget again. How many horses has grandpa?"

"Two here, but I guess he's got more in the country. You come out to thebarn any time you feel like it. You've heard of a bell cow, haven't you?Well, we've got the belle horse out there. She beats all creation. "

"The one I saw yesterday, " eagerly, "the one that runs away all thetime?"

"No. This is Mr. Evringham's riding horse. "

Jewel hopped and clapped her hands. "I'll see grandpa ride. Goody! I'llwatch him. "

"Go to your paths, Zeke, " said a voice, and the veil appeared around thecorner of the house. 

Jewel quietly joined her stately companion, and walked away sedatelybeside her. 

They did not exchange many words on their way to the park gates, forMrs. Forbes needed her breath for the rather long promenade, and Jewelwas busy looking at the trees and trim swards and crocus beds beside thewinding road. 

Outside the gate they had to wait but a minute before the car came, andafter they had boarded it, the little girl was entertained by lookingout of the window, and often wished for Anna Belle's sympathy in somenovel sight or sound. 

A ride of fifteen minutes brought them to the shoe store. Mrs. Forbesseemed to know the clerk, and Jewel was finally fitted to her guardian'ssatisfaction, but scarcely to her own, the housekeeper having selectedthe species known as storm rubbers, and chose them as large as wouldstay on. 

"They're quite warm, aren't they?" said Jewel, looking down at her shinyfeet and trying to speak cheerfully. 

"When you wear them you want to be warm, " was Mrs. Forbes's rejoinder. 

"I brought my money, " said the child, in a low voice. 

"No. Your grandfather wishes to make you a present of these. " Thehousekeeper's tone was final, and she paid for the overshoes, which werewrapped up, and then she led Jewel out of the store. 

Next door was a candy shop with alluring windows. 

"I'd like to go in here, " said the little girl. "Would you mind?"

"Do you spend your money for candy, Julia?"

"Yes'm. Don't you like it?" Jewel lingered, looking at the prettydisplay. Easter had recently passed, and there were bright-eyed littleyellow chickens that especially took her fancy. 

"It isn't a question of liking it when people are poor, " returned Mrs. Forbes. "I'm astonished that your mother encourages you to spend moneyfor candy. "

Jewel looked up quickly. "Did you think we were poor?" she asked, withdisconcerting suddenness. 

Mrs. Forbes hesitated. "Your mother is a dressmaker, isn't she?"

"Yes, she's just a splendid one. Everybody says so. We couldn't be poor, you know. She found out about God before I was old enough to talk, soyou see all her poor time came before I can remember. "

The housekeeper glanced about her furtively. "Julia, don't you know youshouldn't use your Creator's name on the street!" she exclaimed, whenshe had made certain that no one was listening. 

"Why not?" asked the child. 

"Why--why--it isn't a proper place. Some one might hear you. "

"Well, won't you let me get some candy now? If I knew what kind youliked, Mrs. Forbes, I'd get it. "

"I don't eat candy as a rule. It's not only extravagant, it's veryunhealthy. "

The little girl smiled. "How do you suppose your stomach knows what youput into it?" she asked. "I guess you're just a little--bit--afraid, aren't you?"

"Odder than Dick's hatband!" quoth Mrs. Forbes again, mentally. "I takehorehound drops sometimes, " she said aloud, "for a cold. "

"Can't you sneeze a little now?" asked Jewel, amusement twinkling in herblue eyes. "I do want so much to go in here. "

"Don't tempt Providence by making fun of sickness, Julia, or you'lllive to regret it, " returned Mrs. Forbes. "I don't mind getting somehorehound drops, but be careful now and don't spend too much. A littlegirl's money always burns in her pocket. "

"Yes'm, " returned the child dutifully, skipping up to the door of theshop and opening it. 

Mrs. Forbes followed slowly, and once inside, fell into conversationwith the girl of whom she bought the cough candy. This gave Jewelopportunity to buy beside her caramels one of the lovely yellowchickens, which she designed for a special purpose. 

"Now don't you eat that candy before lunch. It will take away yourappetite. It is nearly lunch time now, " said Mrs. Forbes as they leftthe store. 

"And won't you either?" asked the child, offering the open caramel bagwith a spontaneous politeness which somehow made the housekeeper feel ata disadvantage. 

"No, thank you. Stop that car, Julia, and make them wait for me, " shesaid, making haste slowly. 

Once within, it took Mrs. Forbes a minute or two to get her breath, butshe soon noticed that her companion's eyes were fixed upon a man seateda little way from them across the car. A smile kept coming to thechild's lips, and at last the gentleman himself recognized that he wasan object of interest. He looked at the strange little girl kindly. Herhand went unconsciously to the small gold pin she wore. The man smiledand touched one of similar pattern which was fastening his tie. In aminute more his street was reached, and as he passed Jewel on his wayout of the car, he stooped and gave her ready hand a little pressure. 

She colored with pleasure, and Mrs. Forbes swelled with curiosity anddisapproval. She knew the man by sight as a highly respectable citizen. What was this wild Western child doing now? The car made too much noiseto permit of investigation, so she waited until they had left it andentered the park gates. 

"Julia, " she said then, "where did you ever see that gentleman before?"

"I never did, " replied the child. 

"What do you mean by such bold actions, then? What will he think ofyou?"

"He'll think it's all right, " returned Jewel. "We have the same--thesame friends. "

The housekeeper looked at her. It was beneath her dignity to ask furtherquestions at present, but some time she meant to renew the subject. 

"It's very wrong for a little girl to take any notice of strangers, " shesaid. 

"Yes'm, " replied Jewel, "but he was--different. "

Mrs. Forbes maintained silence henceforth until they reached home. "Youmay hang your hat and jacket in the closet under the stairs wheneveryou don't wish to go to your room, " she said when she parted with hercompanion at the piazza, "but don't wander away anywhere before lunch. "

"No'm. Thank you for taking me, Mrs. Forbes. "

"You're welcome, " returned that lady, and the long black veil sweptmajestically toward the barn. 

Sweet and rippling music was proceeding from the house. Jewel tiptoedacross the piazza to a long window, from whence she could see theinterior of the drawing-room. 

"It is the enchanted maiden, " she said to herself, and sank down softlyby the window, listening eagerly to the melodious strains and smoothruns which flowed from beneath the slender fingers. One piece followedanother in quick succession, now gay, now grave, and the listenerscarcely stirred in her enjoyment. 

At last, suddenly, in the midst of a Grieg melody, the player ceased, and crossing her arms upon the empty music rack, bowed her head uponthem in such an attitude of abandon that Jewel's heart leaped insympathy. 

"Oh cousin Eloise! What makes her so sorry?" she thought. The child'sintuition had been strong to perceive the nature of her aunt Madge. "Itmust be such an awful thing to have your own mother an error fairy. Thatmust be the reason. I wish I could tell her"--Jewel jumped to her feet, but just as she was determining to go to her cousin, the soft-toned gongpealed its mellow summons, and she saw Eloise rise from the piano intime to meet her mother, who at that moment entered the room. 

Jewel went into the house, hung up her hat and jacket, and deposited herpackages. By the time she reached the dining-room her aunt and cousinwere already seated. Mrs. Evringham put up her lorgnette as she greetedthe child. Eloise nodded a grave good-morning, and Mrs. Forbes began toserve the luncheon. 

Jewel looked in vain for any trace of excitement or tears on hercousin's lovely face. Eloise did not address her or any one. Mrs. Evringham did the talking. After a question as to how Jewel had spentthe morning, and without listening to the child's reply, she began totalk to her daughter of a drive she wished to take that afternoon. 

Jewel discerned that Mrs. Forbes was not kindly disposed toward themother and daughter, and that they ignored the housekeeper; that Eloisewas languid and out of sympathy with her mother, and that Mrs. Evringhamwas impatient with her, often to the verge of sharpness. The child wasglad when luncheon was over; but before going upstairs she brought hersmall bag of caramels and offered them to the ladies. 

Mrs. Evringham gave a little laugh of surprise and looked at Eloise, whotook one with a sober "Thank you. "

"I don't believe I could, child, " said aunt Madge, glancing withamusement at the striped bag. "Keep them for yourself. "

"You'll have some, won't you, Mrs. Forbes?" asked Jewel, and thehousekeeper so strongly disapproved of Mrs. Evringham's manner that sheaccepted. 

"Perhaps you would like to try some of our candy, Julia, " said Mrs. Evringham, as the child followed her aunt and cousin upstairs. 

Jewel paused while aunt Madge brought from her room into the hall alarge box, beribboned and laced, full of a variety of confections. 

"How pretty!" exclaimed the child. 

"This is from your friend, Dr. Ballard, " said her aunt. "He sent it tothe charming little girl, Eloise. "

Jewel, running on up to her room eating the creamy chocolate, wonderedstill more why her cousin should seem so sorry, with so much to make herhappy. 

"Now, Anna Belle, the time has really come, " she said happily to herdoll, as she took her in her arms and began putting on her jacket andhat. "We're going away from Castle Discord to seek our fortunes. We'regoing to leave the giantess, and leave the impolite error fairy, andleave the poor enchanted maiden, and go to find the ravine and thebrook. Wait till I put on my oldest shoes, for we shall have to climbdeep, deep down to get near to father. "

At last she was ready, and when she had closed the heavy house doorbehind her, and had run down the driveway to the park road, a delicioussense of freedom possessed her. 

"There goes the little Westerner, " observed Mrs. Evringham, looking fromher window. "It's a good thing she knows how to amuse herself. "

"A good thing, indeed, " returned Eloise. "There is no one here to doanything for her. "

"She has wonderful assurance for such a plain little monkey, " went onMrs. Evringham. 

"She has extremely good breeding, " returned her daughter, coming to thewindow and following Jewel's retreating figure with her eyes, "and acharming face when she smiles. "

"Very well. Look out for yourself, then. I thought last night, once ortwice, at dinner, that she was rather entertaining to her grandfather. "

"She has her doll, " said Eloise wistfully. "Where can she be going? Iwish I were going with her. "

Mrs. Evringham laughed. "Well, you _are_ bored. Pshaw, my dear! Liedown and get a little beauty sleep. Then we will go driving and seethat charming spot Dr. Ballard told us about. I'm sure he will callto-night. "

CHAPTER X

THE RAVINE

Outside the well-kept roads of Bel-Air Park, Nature had been encouragedto work her sweet will. The drive wound along the edge of a picturesquegorge, and it was not long before Jewel found the scene of her father'sfavorite stories. 

The sides of the ravine were studded with tall trees, and in its depthsflowed a brook, unusually full now from the spring rains. 

The child lost no time in creeping beneath the slender wire fence atthe roadside, and scrambling down the incline. The brook whispered andgurgled, wild flowers sprang amid the ferns in the shelter and moisture. The child was enraptured. 

"Oh, Anna Belle!" She exclaimed, hugging the doll for pure joy. "CastleDiscord is far away. There's nobody down here but God!"

For hours she played happily in the enchanting spot, all unconsciousof time. Anna Belle lay on a bed of moss, while Jewel became acquaintedwith her wonderful new playmate, the brook. The only body of water withwhich she had been familiar hitherto was Lake Michigan. Now she drewstones out of the bank and made dams and waterfalls. She sailed boats ofchips and watched them shoot the tiny rapids. She lay down on the bankbeside Anna Belle and gazed up through the leafy treetops. Many timesthis programme had been varied, when at last equipages began to pass onthe road above. She could see twinkling wheels and smart liveries. 

With a start of recollection, she considered that she might have been along time in the ravine. 

"I wish somebody would let me bring a watch the next time, " she saidto her doll, as she took her up. "Haven't we had a beautiful afternoon, Anna Belle? Let's call it the Ravine of Happiness, and we'll come hereevery day--just every day; but perhaps it's time for grandpa to be home, dearie, so we must go back to the castle. " She sighed unconsciously asshe began climbing up the steep bank and crept under the wire. "I hopewe haven't stayed very long, because the giantess might not like it, "she continued uneasily; but as she set her feet in the homeward road, every sensation of anxiety fled before an approaching vision. She sawa handsome man in riding dress mounted on a shining horse with archedneck, that lifted its feet daintily as it pranced along the tree-linedavenue. 

"Grandpa!" ejaculated Jewel, stepping to the roadside and pausing, herhands clasped beneath her chin and her eyes shining with admiration. 

Mr. Evringham drew rein, not displeased by the encounter. The childapparently could not speak. She eyed the horse rather than its rider, afact which the latter observed and enjoyed. 

"Remind you of the horse show?" he inquired. 

"It _is_ the horse show, " rejoined the child. 

"This is Essex Maid, Jewel, " said Mr. Evringham. He patted the mare'sshining neck. "You shall go out to the barn with me some time and visither. " His eyes wandered over the ruffled hair, the hat on the back ofthe child's head, and the wet spots on her dress. "Run home now, " headded. "I heard Mrs. Forbes asking for you as I came out. "

He rode on, and Jewel, her face radiant, followed him with her eyes. Ina minute he turned, and she threw rapid kisses after him. He raised hishat, and then a curve in the road hid him from view. 

Jewel sighed rapturously and hurried along the road. The giantess hadasked for her. Ah, what a happy world it would be if there were nothingat Bel-Air Park but grandpa, his horses, and the ravine!

Mrs. Forbes espied the child in the distance, and was at the door whenshe came in. 

"After this, Julia, you must never go away without telling mewhere"--she began, when her eyes recognized the condition of the ginghamfrock, and the child's feet. "Look at how you've drabbled your dress!"she ejaculated. 

"It's clean water, " returned Julia. 

"But your feet! Why, Julia Evringham, they are as wet as sop! Where haveyou been?"

"Playing by the brook in the ravine. "

Mrs. Forbes groaned. "Nothing will satisfy a child but finding the placewhere they can get the dirtiest and make the most trouble. Why didn'tyou wear your rubbers, you naughty girl?"

"Why--why--it wasn't raining. "

"Raining! Those rubbers are to keep your feet dry. Haven't you got anysense?"

Jewel looked a little pale. "I didn't know I should get wet in thebrook, " she answered. 

"Well, go right upstairs now, up the backstairs, and take off every oneof those wet things. Let me feel your petticoat. Yes, that's wet, too. You undress and get into a hot bath, and then you put on your nightgownand go right to bed. "

"Go to bed!" echoed the child, bewildered. 

"Yes, to bed. You won't come down to dinner. Perhaps that will teach youto wear your rubbers next time and be more careful. "

Jewel found the backstairs and ascended them, her little heart hotwithin her. 

"She's the impolitest woman in the whole world, Anna Belle!" shewhispered. "I'm going to not cry. Mother didn't know what impolitenessthere was at grandpa's or she wouldn't have let us come. "

The child's eyes were bright as she found her room and began undressing. "But you mustn't be angry, dearie, " she continued excitedly to her doll. "It's the worst error to be angry, because it means hating. You treatme, Anna Belle, and I'll treat you, " she went on, unfastening herclothes with unsteady hands. 

With many a pause to work at a refractory elastic or button, and manyinterruptions from catches in her breath, she murmured aloud during theprocess of her undressing: "Dear Father in Heaven, I seem to feel sorryall over, and full of error. Help me to know that I'm not a mortal mindlittle girl, hating and angry, but I am Thy child, and the only things Iknow are good, happy things. Error has no power and Love has all power. I love Mrs. Forbes, and she loves me. Thou art here even in thishouse, and please help me to know that one of Thy children cannot hurtanother. " Here Jewel slipped into the new wrapper her mother had made, and hurried into the white tiled bathroom near by. While she let thewater run into the tub she put her hand into her pocket mechanically, insearch of a handkerchief, and when she felt the crisp touch of paper shedrew it out eagerly. It was covered, and she read the words written inher mother's distinct hand. 

"Love to my Jewel. Is she making a stepping-stone of every trial, andlearning to think less and less about herself, and more and more aboutother people? And does she remember that little girls cannot alwaysunderstand the error that grown-up people have to meet, especially thosewho have not Science to help them? They must be treated very gently, andI hope my little Jewel will be always kind and patient, and make her newfriends glad she is there. "

The child folded the paper and put it carefully back in her pocket. Then she took her bath, and returning to her room undressed her doll insilence. Finally, changing her wrapper for her nightdress, she climbedinto bed, where she lay thinking and looking at the sunlight on thewall. 

At dinner time the maid Sarah appeared with a tray. "Here's your dinner, Miss Julia, " she said, looking at the heavy-eyed little girl. "It's toobad you're not well. "

"I am well, thank you, " replied Jewel. "I'm sorry you had to carry thatheavy tray up so many stairs. "

"Oh, I don't mind that, " returned the girl good-naturedly. "I'll set itright here by the bed. "

"Is grandpa down there?" asked Jewel wistfully. 

"Yes, Miss Julia. They're all eating their dinner. I hope you'll enjoyyours. "

Sarah went away, and the little girl spread some bread and butter andate it slowly. 

Meanwhile, when the family had gathered at the dinner table, Mr. Evringham looked up at his housekeeper. 

"Where is Jewel?" he asked shortly. "I object to her being unpunctual. "

"Yes, sir. She is having dinner in her room. She was very naughty andgot wet in the brook. "

"Ah, indeed!" Mr. Evringham frowned and looked down. He had been alittle disappointed that the bright face was not watching to see himcome home from his ride, but of course discipline must be maintained. "I'm sorry to hear this, " he added. 

Mrs. Evringham and Eloise found him a shade less taciturn than usualto-night. He felt vaguely that he now had an ally of his own flesh andblood in the house, a spirit sufficiently kindred to prefer his societyto theirs, and this made him unusually lenient. 

He meant to go upstairs after dinner, and warn Jewel to be more carefulin future to conform to all Mrs. Forbes's rules; but the meal wasscarcely over when a friend called to get him to attend some businessmeeting held that evening in the interests of the town, and he becameinterested in his statements and went away with him. 

"Wasn't father quite agreeable this evening?" asked Mrs. Evringham ofEloise. "What did I tell you? I could see that he felt relief becausethat plain little creature was not in evidence. Father always was sofastidious. Of course it is selfish in a way, but it is no use to blamemen for caring for beauty. They will do it. "

"It was a shame to make that little girl stay upstairs, " returnedEloise. "I judge she managed to amuse herself this afternoon, and so shegets punished for it. I should like to go up and sit with her. "

"It would not be worth while, " returned Mrs. Evringham quickly. "I'msure Dr. Ballard will be here soon. You would have to come right downagain. "

"That is not the reason I don't go, " returned the girl. "It is becauseI am not an Evringham, and I have determined not to arrive at friendlyrelations with any one of the name. When I once escape from here, theywill have seen the last of me. "

"The way of escape lies open, " returned her mother soothingly. "I'm gladyou have on that gown. If a man cares for a woman, he always loves tosee her in white. "

As soon as dinner was over, Mrs. Forbes ascended the stairs to seeher prisoner. Jewel was lying quietly in bed, the tray, apparentlyuntouched, beside her. The latter circumstance Mrs. Forbes observed atonce. 

"Why haven't you eaten your dinner, Julia?" she asked. "I hope you arenot sulking. "

"No'm. I don't believe I am. I don't know what that means. "

"You don't know what sulky means?" suspiciously. "It is very naughty fora little girl to refuse to eat her dinner because she is angry at beingpunished for her own good. "

"Did you send me to bed because you loved me?" asked Jewel. Her cheekswere very red, but even the disconcerted housekeeper could see that shewas not excited or angry. 

"Everybody loves good little girls, " returned Mrs. Forbes. "Now eat yourdinner, Julia, so I can carry down the tray. "

"I did eat the bread. It was all I wanted. It was very nice. "

The polite addition made the housekeeper uncertain. While she pausedJewel added, "I wish I could see grandpa. "

"He's gone out on business. He won't be back until after you are asleep. And if you were thinking of complaining to him, Julia, I tell you itwon't do any good. He will trust everything to me. "

"Do you think I would trouble grandpa?" returned the child. 

The housekeeper looked at her in silent perplexity. The blue eyes weredirect and innocent, but there was a heaviness about them that stirredMrs. Forbes uncomfortably. 

"You must have got too tired playing this afternoon, Julia, " she saiddecisively, "or you would be hungry for your dinner. You took that hotbath I told you to?"

"Yes'm. "

"Where have you put your wet things? Oh, I see, you've spread them outvery nicely; but those shoes--I shall have to have them cleaned andpolished for you. Now go to sleep as quick as you can and have along night's rest. I'm sure the next time you go out you won't be socareless. "

Jewel's eyes followed the speaker as she bustled about and at last tookup the tray. 

"Will you kiss me good-night, Mrs. Forbes?" asked the child. 

The surprised housekeeper set down her burden, stooped over the bed andkissed her. 

"There now, I see you're sorry, " she said, somewhat touched. 

Jewel gave her a little smile. "No'm, I've stopped being sorry, " shereplied. 

"She'd puzzle a Philadelphia lawyer, " soliloquized the housekeeperas she descended the stairs with the tray. "I suppose her mother isuneducated and uses queer English. As the old ones croak, the young oneslearn. The child uses words nobody ever heard of, and is ignorant of thecommonest ones. I'm glad she's so fond of me if I've got to take care ofher. "

CHAPTER XI

DR. BALLARD

Mr. Evringham looked about, half in apprehension, half in anticipation, as he entered the dining-room the following morning. Jewel had notarrived, so he settled himself to read his paper. Each time there wasa sound he glanced up, bracing himself for the approach of light feet, beaming face, and an ardent embrace. His interest in the news graduallylessened, and his expectancy increased. She did not come. At last hebegan to suspect that the unprecedented had happened, and that Mrs. Forbes herself was late. 

He looked at his watch with suddenly rising amazement. It was tenminutes past the appointed time. He began feeling around with his footfor the electric bell. It was an unaccustomed movement, for his wisheswere usually anticipated. By the time he found it, he had become aseriously injured man, and the peal he rang summoned Sarah suddenly. 

"Bring me my coffee at once, if you please. What is the matter?"

The maid did not know. He was drinking his first cup when thehousekeeper entered the room, flushed of countenance. 

"You'll have to excuse me, Mr. Evringham. I couldn't come a minutesooner. Julia is sick. "

"Sick! I should like to know why?"

"Why, she got sopping wet in that brook yesterday, and here, just as Iknew it would be, she's got a fever. "

"A fever, eh?" repeated Mr. Evringham in a startled tone. 

"Yes, sir, and what's more, when I told her you would send for thedoctor, it was worse than about the rubbers. She talked all the rubbishyou can think of. I'm sure she's flighty--said she never had a doctor, that she always got well, and even cried when I told her that that wasnonsense. "

"Was she ill all night, do you think?"

"I don't know. I found her trying to get up when I went to her room, andI saw at once that she wasn't able to. 

"Well, Mrs. Forbes, all I can do is to ask your pardon for adding somuch to your cares. Let Sarah bring me my eggs, and then, if you please, telephone for Dr. Ballard to come over before his office hour. "

"I will, sir, but I'll ask you to see the child before you go to townand make her promise to behave about the doctor. You'd have thought Iwas asking to let in a roaring lion. "

"Shy, probably. "

"Shy! That child shy!" thought Mrs. Forbes. 

"She knows Dr. Ballard, " continued the broker, "and if you had thoughtto mention him, she wouldn't have made any fuss. "

"If you'll excuse me differing with you, Mr. Evringham, I don't thinkthat child's got a shy bone in her body. In the trolley car yesterday, didn't she make up to a perfect stranger! She eyed him and fingered thatlittle gold pin she wears, till he smiled and touched one of the samepattern in his own cravat. Young as she is, she's some kind of a freemason or secret society, you may be sure. I actually saw him take herhand and give her the grip as he got out of the car. Why you know who itis, it was Mr. Reeves of Highland Street. "

"H'm. You are imaginative, Mrs. Forbes. Mr. Reeves is fond of children, and Jewel has a friendly way of looking at people. "

The housekeeper bridled. "Well, all is, I guess, you'll find I ain'timaginative when you come to talk with her about the doctor, " was thefirm response. "When I said medicine she looked as scared as if I'd saidpoison. "

"H'm. Been dosed then. Mother an allopath probably. Burnt child dreadsthe fire. I think homeopathy is the thing for children. Guy will do verywell. Call him up at once, please. He might go out. "

When Mr. Evringham had finished his breakfast, he climbed to thewhite room, planning as he went a short and peremptory speech to therebellious one; for he had less time left than usual for his daily talkwith his housekeeper before catching the train. 

The curtains in the room were half drawn as he entered, and the child'sfigure looked small in the big white bed. She exclaimed as he drew near, and seizing his hand, kissed it. 

"You'd better not kiss me, grandpa, because I'm so hot anduncomfortable, " she said thickly. "Oh, how I wanted to see you allnight!"

The little hands clinging to his were burning. He sat down on the edgeof the bed. 

"I'm very sorry for this, Jewel. It's your own fault, I understand, mygirl. "

"Yes, I know it is. When I first called the house Castle Discord andtalked to Anna Belle about the error fairy, and the enchanted maiden, and the giantess, I didn't see it was hate creeping in and making me notcareful to deny it all. I know it is all my fault. "

Mr. Evringham gazed at the flushed face with startled eyes. "Dearme, this is really very bad!" he thought. "Delirious so early in themorning. I wish Guy would come!"

"Well, we'll soon have Dr. Ballard here, " he said aloud, trying to speaksoothingly. "He'll set you all right very soon. "

"Oh, grandpa, dear grandpa, " with the utmost earnestness, "would youplease not send for the doctor? I won't be any trouble. I don't wantanything to eat, only a drink of water, and I'll soon be well. "

Her beseeching tone and her helplessness touched some unsuspected chordin her listener's breast. 

"Jewel, don't you want to go out to the stable with me and feed EssexMaid with sugar?" he asked. 

"Yes, grandpa, " with a half sob. 

"You don't want me to be unhappy and worried about you when I get intomy office?"

"No, grandpa. "

"And you liked Dr. Ballard, I'm sure, when you came out with him on thetrain day before yesterday. "

"Day before yesterday! Oh, _was_ it? It seems a year ago! But I wantedto come and see you so much I was willing to let father and mother goaway, and I never thought that I wouldn't know when error was gettinghold of me. 

"Well, never mind now, Jewel. Dr. Ballard will help you, and as soon asyou get well I'll take you for a fine long drive, if you'll be good. I'msure you don't want to trouble me. "

"No. " Another half sob caught the child's throat. "Here is somethingI bought for you yesterday, grandpa. " She drew from under the furtherpillow the yellow chicken, somewhat disheveled, and put it in his hand. "I meant to give it to you last night, but Mrs. Forbes kept me upstairsbecause she thought she ought to make me sorry, and so I couldn't. "

The stockbroker cleared his throat as he regarded his new possession. "It was kind of you, Jewel, " he returned. "I shall stand it on my desk. Now--ahem"--looking around the big empty room, "you won't be lonely, Ihope, until the doctor comes?"

"No, I'd like to be alone, I have so much work to do. "

"Dear me, dear me!" thought Mr. Evringham, "this is very distressing. She seems to have lucid intervals, and then so quickly gets flightyagain. "

"Besides, I like to think of the Ravine of Happiness, " continued thechild, "and the brook. Supposing I could lay my cheek down in thebrook now. The water is so cool, and it laughs and whispers such prettythings. "

"Now if you would try to go to sleep, Jewel, " said Mr. Evringham, "it would please me very much. Good-by. I shall come to see you againto-night. " He stooped his tall form and kissed the child's forehead, andher hot lips pressed his hand, then he went out. 

At the foot of the stairs he encountered Mrs. Forbes waiting, andhastily put behind him the hand that held the chicken. 

"Well, sir?"

"She's very badly off, very badly off, I'm afraid. "

"I hope not, sir. Children are always flighty if they have a littlefever. What about dinner, sir?"

"Have anything you please, " returned Mr. Evringham briefly. "I wish tosee Dr. Ballard as soon as he arrives. Tell Zeke I shall not go untilthe next train. " With these words the broker entered his study, and hishousekeeper looked after him in amazement. It was the first time she hadever seen him indifferent concerning his dinner. 

"I wonder if he thinks she's got something catching, " she soliloquized. Then a sudden thought occurred to her. "No great loss without some smallgain, " she thought grimly. "'T would clear the house. "

She watched at the window until she saw Dr. Ballard's buggy approaching. Then she opened the door and met him. 

"Your little visitor do you say?" asked the young doctor as he greetedher and entered. "What mischief has she been up to so soon?"

"Oh, the usual sort, " returned Mrs. Forbes, and recounted hergrievances. "She's the oddest child in the world, " she finished, "andher last freak is that she doesn't want to have a doctor. "

"Dear me, what heresy!" The young man smiled. "Which room, Mrs. Forbes?"

"Please go into the library first, Dr. Ballard. Mr. Evringham is waitingto see you. "

The broker was sitting before his desk as the doctor entered, and heturned with a brief greeting. 

"I'm glad you've come, Ballard. I'm very much troubled about thechild. Her father and mother abroad you understand, and I feel theresponsibility. She seems very flighty, quite wild in her talk atmoments. I wished to warn you that one of her feverish ideas is that shedoesn't want a doctor. You will have to use some tact. "

The physician's face lost its careless smile. "Delirious, you say?"

"Yes, go right up, Guy. I'll wait for you here. It's so sudden. She wasquite well, to all appearances, yesterday. "

"Children are sensitive little mortals, " remarked Dr. Ballard, and thenMrs. Forbes ushered him up to the white room. He asked her to remainwithin call, and entered alone. 

The child's eyes were open as he approached the bed, the black caseshe remembered in his hand. By her expression he saw that her mind wasclear. 

"Well, well, Jewel, this isn't the way I meant you to receive me thefirst time I called, " he said pleasantly, drawing up a chair beside thebed. The child put out her hand to his offered one and tried to smile. As he held the hand he felt her pulse. "This isn't the way to behavewhen you go visiting, " he added. 

"I know it isn't, " returned Jewel contritely. 

"The next time you go wading in the brook, take off your shoes andstockings, little one, and I think you would better wait until laterin the season, anyway. You've made quick work of this business. " Ashe talked the doctor took his little thermometer out of its case. "Nowthen, let me slip this under your tongue. "

"What is it?" asked Jewel, shrinking. 

"What! Haven't you ever had your temperature tried? Well, you have beena healthy little girl! All the better. Just take it under your tongue, and don't speak for a minute, please. "

"Please don't ask me to. I can't. "

"There's nothing to be afraid of. It won't hurt you. " The doctor smiled. 

"I know what that is now, " said Jewell, regarding the little tube. "Aman was cured of paralysis once by having a thing like that stuck in hismouth. He thought it was meant to cure him. I haven't paralysis. "

The doctor began to consider that perhaps Mr. Evringham had notexaggerated. "Come, Jewel, " he said kindly. "I thought we were such goodfriends. You are wasting my time. "

A moment more of hesitation, and then the child suddenly opened hermouth and accepted the thermometer. She kept her eyes closed duringthe process of waiting, and at last Dr. Ballard took out the littleinstrument and examined it. 

"Let me see your tongue. "

The child stared in surprise. 

"Put out your tongue, Jewel, " he repeated kindly. 

"But that is impolite, " she protested. 

He changed his position. The poor little thing was flighty, and nowonder, with such a temperature. He took her hand again. "I'll overlookthe impoliteness. Run out your tongue now. Far as you can, dear. "

The child obeyed. 

Presently she said, "I feel very uncomfortable, Dr. Ballard. I don'tfeel a bit like visiting, so if you wouldn't _mind_ going away until Ifeel better. You interrupted me when you came in. I have lots of workto do yet. When I get well I'd just love to see you. I'd rather see youthan almost anybody in Bel-Air. "

"Yes, yes, dear. I'll go away very soon. Where does your throat feelsore? Put your finger on the place. "

Jewel looked up with all the rebuke she could convey. "You ought not toask me that, " she returned. 

Dr. Ballard rose and went to the door. "Get me a glass of water, please, Mrs. Forbes. "

"Not a glass. I want a whole pitcher full right side of me, " said Jewel. 

"Yes, a pitcher full also, if you please, Mrs. Forbes. Just let the maidbring them up. "

The doctor returned to the bedside. "Now we'll soon forget that you wetthose little feet, " he said. 

"That didn't do me any harm, that clean sweet brook. Mrs. Forbes didn'tknow what was the real matter. "

"What was it, then?"

"My own fault, " said Jewel, speaking with feverish quickness andsqueezing the doctor's hand. "When I came here I found that nobody lovedone another and everybody was afraid and sorry, and instead of denyingit and helping them, I began voicing error and calling them names. I didn't keep remembering that God was here, and I called it CastleDiscord and called Mrs. Forbes the giantess, and aunt Madge the errorfairy, and cousin Eloise the enchanted maiden, and of course how could Ihelp getting sick?"

Dr. Ballard leaned toward her. Was this an impromptu tale, or was it afact that this child had been coldly treated and unhappy? "You have asensitive conscience, Jewel, " he returned. 

Here Sarah entered, set down the tray with pitcher, glasses, and spoon, and departed. The doctor loosed the little hand he had been holding, took up his case, and opened it. 

Jewel watched him with apprehension. "That's--medicine isn't it?" sheasked with bated breath. 

"Yes. " The doctor carefully selected a bottle of liquid and set it onthe table. "I think this one will do us. "

Jewel's remark on the train about materia medica recurred to him, and hesmiled. 

"Dr. Ballard, aren't you a Christian?" she asked suddenly. 

He glanced up. "I hope so. "

"Then you'll forgive me if I won't take medicine. I put out my tongue, and I sucked the little glass thing because I didn't want to troubleyou; but I have too much faith in God to take medicine. " The childlooked at the doctor appealingly. 

He began to see light, and in his surprise, for a moment he did notreply. 

"Jesus Christ would have used drugs if they had been right, " she added. 

"But He isn't here now, " returned the astonished young man. 

"Why, Dr. Ballard, " in gentle reproach, "Christ is the Truth of God. Isn't He here now, healing us and helping us just the same as ever?Didn't He say He would be? You will see how much better I shall beto-night. "

Dr. Ballard met the heavy eyes with his own kind, clear ones. "I see youhave been taught in new ways, Jewel, " he said seriously, "but you areonly a little girl, and while you are in your grandfather's house youought to do as he wishes. He wishes you to let me prescribe for you. Noone who is ill can help making trouble. You have no right not to try toget well in the way Mr. Evringham and Mrs. Forbes wish you to. "

Jewel felt herself in a desperate position. The corners of her lipstwitched down. Dr. Ballard thought he saw his advantage, and leaned hisfine head toward her. She impulsively threw her arms around his neck. 

"You don't want to hurt my feelings, Jewel, " he said. She was cryingsoftly. 

"No--it would make me--very--sorry, but it would be--worse--tohurt--God's. Please don't make me, please, please don't make me, Dr. Ballard!"

She was increasingly excited, and he feared the effect. 

"Very well then, Jewel, " he returned. "I don't want to do you more harmthan good. "

"Oh, thank you!" she exclaimed fervently, through her tears. 

"But Mrs. Forbes must think you have the medicine. You haven't told herthat you are--ahem--a Christian Scientist. I suppose that is what youcall yourself. "

"Yes, sir. A Christian Scientist. Oh, you're the kindest man, " pursuedthe relieved child. "I realized in my prayer that you didn't know it waswrong to believe in material medica, for you reflect love all the time. "

While she was talking and wiping her eyes the doctor took the pitcherand one of the glasses to the window, and stood with his back to her. 

"Now then, " he said, returning, "we'll put this half glass of water onthe table. I put the spoon across it so, and when Mrs. Forbes is next inthe room you take a couple of spoonfuls and that will satisfy her. Youmay tell her that I wanted you only to take it about four times duringthe day. If you are better when I come back this evening, I will notinsist upon your taking any pellets on your tongue. Here is the otherglass for you to drink from. "

With a few more kind words Dr. Ballard took his departure, and goingdownstairs met Mrs. Forbes. "The little girl has a heavy feverish cold. She understands how to take her medicine. She will probably sleep a gooddeal. Let her be quiet. "

He went on to the study, where Mr. Evringham was waiting, sitting at thedesk, his head on his hand, frowning at the yellow chicken. He looked upexpectantly as the doctor entered. 

"Well?" he asked. 

Dr. Ballard came forward and seated himself in a neighboring chair. 

"Do you know what you have upstairs there?" he asked in a low tone. 

"For heaven's sake, Guy, don't tell me it's something serious--somethinginfectious!" Mr. Evringham turned pale. 

The doctor's sudden smile was reassuring. "It does seem to be infectiousto some degree, " he returned, "but I don't believe you'll catch it. "

"What are you grinning at, boy?" asked the broker sharply. 

"Don't be alarmed, Mr. Evringham, but the fact is, that you have in yourhouse a small and young but perfectly formed and well-developed specimenof a Christian Scientist. "

"What, man!" The broker grew red again. 

Dr. Ballard nodded deliberately. "Your little granddaughter belongs tothe new cult; and I can assure you she is dyed in the wool, and moreoveris all wool and a yard wide. "

"The devil you say!" ejaculated Mr. Evringham. "But, " he added witha sudden thought, "that may be a part of the poor child's feverishnonsense. She was full of talk of castles and giantesses and fairies andwhat not when I was up there. "

"Yes. She is no flightier than you are this minute. All these titles arethose she has given to your house and household in the last two days, and according to her diagnosis, it is that indulgence from which sheis suffering now, and not from too much brook. She says she has 'voicederror. '"

The doctor looked quizzically at his friend, who returned his gaze, nonplussed. 

"That's it--'error, '" rejoined Mr. Evringham, "that's what she isoften saying. This explains her vocabulary, in all probability. Shehas sometimes the strangest talk you ever listened to. Well, that's themother's doing, of course, and not the child's fault. I maintain it isnot the child's fault. With it all, Ballard, I tell you she's a verywell meaning child--a rather winning child, in fact. Good natureddisposition. I hope she's not very ill. I do, indeed. Ha! That, then, iswhy she was so excited at the thought of having a doctor. Tomfoolery!"

"Yes, that was it. We've had some argument. " The young doctor smiled. "She doesn't consider me hopeless, however. She told me that she hadmentioned to the Lord that she was sure I didn't know it was wrong tobelieve in materia medica. "

No one for years had heard Mr. Evringham laugh as he laughed at this. The doctor joined him. 

"I'm not surprised, " said the broker at last. "If there is anything shedoes not mention to her Creator, I have yet to learn what it is. How didyou get around her, Ballard?"

"Oh, I used a little justifiable hocus-pocus about the medicine. That'sall. "

"And you think it's not anything very serious, then?"

"I think not. Where there's so much temperature it is a little hard totell at first with a child. This evening I shall make a more thoroughexamination. The ice is broken now, and it will be easier. She will beless excited. I see, " glancing at the yellow chicken, whose beady eyesappeared to be following the conversation, "the little girl has foundher way even into this sanctum. "

Mr. Evringham cleared his throat as he followed the doctor's glance. "No, " he responded shortly. "She has not found her way in here yet. Thatis--my chicken. She bought it for me. "

Dr. Ballard lifted his eyebrows and smiled as he arose. 

"Come back before dinner if possible, Ballard. I shall be uneasy. "

CHAPTER XII

THE TELEGRAM

Mrs. Forbes entered Jewel's room after speaking with the doctor. Thelittle girl looked at her eagerly. A plan had formed in her mind whichdepended for its success largely on the housekeeper's complaisance, andshe wished to propitiate her. 

"I want to fix it so you can call me when you need anything, Julia, " shesaid. "The doctor has told you about taking the medicine, and here is alittle clock I'm going to put on your table right by the bed, and I'vebrought up a bell. I shall leave the farther door open so the sound ofthis bell will go right down the backstairs, and one of us will come upwhenever you ring. Dr. Ballard says it's best for you to be quiet. "

"Yes'm, " replied Jewel. "Do you think, Mrs. Forbes--would it be too muchtrouble--would he have time--could I see Jeremiah just a few minutes?"

"See who?"

"Jeremiah--the gentleman who lives with the horses. "

"Do you mean my son Ezekiel?"

"Oh, yes'm. Ezekiel. I knew it was a prophet. He always speaks verykindly to me, and I like him. I wish I could see him just a fewminutes. "

Mrs. Forbes was very much astonished and somewhat flattered. "It'swonderful, the fancy that child has taken to me and mine, " she thought. 

"Well, folks must be humored when they're sick, " she replied. "Let mesee, " looking at the little clock, "yes, Mr. Evringham's missed thesecond train. There'll be five or ten minutes yet, and 'Zekiel's got towait anyway. I guess he can come up and see you. "

"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Forbes!" returned Jewel. 

The housekeeper made her way out to the barn, where her son in hislivery was waiting and reading the paper. 

"The doctor's gone, Zeke, and the child wants to see you. "

"Me?" returned the coachman in surprise. "Why the bully little kid!"

"Yes, come and be quick. There won't be much time. You watch the clockthat's side of her bed, and don't you be late. "

'Zekiel followed with alacrity. His mother, starting him up thebackstairs, gave him directions how to go, and remained below. 

Jewel, her eyes fixed on the open back door of her room, felt a leapof the heart as Zeke, fine in his handsome livery, came blushing andtiptoeing into the room. 

"I'm so glad, I'm so glad!" she exclaimed in her soft, thick voice. "Shut the door, please. "

"I told you to remember you'd only got to say 'Zeke' and I'd come, " hesaid, approaching the bed. "I'm awful sorry you're sick, little kid. "

"Did you ever hear of Christian Science, Zeke?" she asked hurriedly. 

"Yes, I did. Woman I knew in Boston cured of half a dozen things. Sheheld that Christian Science did it. "

"Oh, good, good. I'm a Christian Scientist, and nobody here is, and Iwant to send a telegram to Chicago, to a lady to treat me. Nobody woulddo it for me but you. _Will_ you?"

It would have taken a hard heart to resist the appeal, and Zeke's wassoft. 

"Of course I will, " he answered. "Going right to the station now to takeMr. Evringham. I can send it as well as not. "

"Get some paper, Zeke, in the top bureau drawer. There's a pencil on thebureau. "

He obeyed, and she gave him an address which he wrote down. "Now this:'Please treat me for fever and sore throat. Jewel. '"

Zeke wrote the message and tucked it into a pocket. 

"Now please get my leather bag in the drawer, " said the child, "and takeout money enough. "

The young fellow hesitated. "If you haven't got plenty of money"--hebegan. 

"I have. You'll see. Oh, Zeke, you've made me so happy!"

The coachman's clumsy hands fumbled with the clasp of the little bag. 

"I can do it, " said Jewel, and he brought it to her and watched herwhile she took out the money and gave it to him. He took a coin, returned the rest to the bag, and snapped it. 

"Say, little girl, " he said uneasily, "you look to me like a doctor'd doyou a whole lot o' good. "

Jewel gazed at him in patient wonder. 

"Who made the doctor?" she asked. 

Zeke stood on one foot and then on the other. 

"God did, and you know it, Zeke. He's the one to go to in trouble. "

"But you're going to that Chicago woman, " objected Zeke. 

"Yes, because she'll go to God for me. I'm being held down by somethingthat pretends to have power, and though I know it's an old cheat, Ihaven't understanding enough to get rid of it as quickly as she will. You see, I wouldn't have been taken sick if I hadn't believed in a lieinstead of denying it. We have to watch our thoughts every minute, and Itell you, Zeke, sometimes it seems real hard work. "

"Should say so, " returned 'Zekiel. "The less you think the better, Ishould suppose, if that's the case. I've got to be going now. "

"And you'll send the telegram _surely_, and you won't speak of it to anyone?"

"Mum's the word, and I'll send it if it's the last act; but don't putall your eggs in one basket, little kid. I know Dr. Ballard's been here, and now you do everything he said, like a good girl, and between the twoof 'em they ought to fix you up. I'd pin more faith to a doctor in thehand than to one in the bush a thousand miles away, if 't was _me_. "

Jewel smiled on him from heavy eyes. "Did you ever hear of God's needingany help?" she asked. "I'll never forget your being so kind to me, never, Zeke; and when error melts away I'm coming out to the stable withgrandpa. He said I should. Good-by. "

As soon as the plum-colored livery had disappeared Jewel drew herselfup, took the water pitcher between her hot little hands, and drank longand deeply. Then with a sigh of satisfaction she turned over in bed anddrew Anna Belle close to her. 

"Just see, dearie, " she murmured, "how we are always taken care of!"

Mrs. Evringham saw Dr. Ballard's buggy drive away and lost no time indiscovering who had needed his services. 

"It's the child, " she announced, returning to Eloise's room. 

"Poor little thing, " returned the girl, rising. 

"Where are you going? Stay right where you are. She has a high fever, and they're not sure yet what it may be. Mrs. Forbes is doing everythingthat is necessary. Father has waited over two trains. He hasn't gone tothe city yet. "

At the mention of Mr. Evringham Eloise sank back in her chair. 

"Dr. Ballard is coming again toward evening, " continued Mrs. Evringham, "and I shall talk with him and find out just the conditions. Mrs. Forbes is very unsatisfactory, but I can see that she thinks it may besomething infectious. "

Eloise lifted a suddenly hopeful face. "Then you would wish to leave atonce?" she said. 

"Not at all. Father would surely hear to reason and send the child tothe hospital. They are models of comfort in these days, and it is theonly proper place for people to be ill. I shall speak to Dr. Ballardabout it to-night. "

As soon as Eloise had seen her grandfather drive to the station sheeluded her mother, and gathering her white negligee about her, wentsoftly up to Jewel's room and stood at the closed door. All was still. She opened the door stealthily. With all her care it creaked a little. Still no sound from within. She looked toward the bed, saw the flushedface of the child and that she was asleep, so she withdrew as quietly. 

During the day she inquired of Mrs. Forbes if she could be of anyservice, but the housekeeper received the suggestion with curt respect, assuring her that Dr. Ballard had said Jewel would sleep a good deal, and should not be disturbed. 

Mrs. Evringham overheard the question and welcomed the reply withrelief. 

Jewel ate the bread and fruit and milk that Mrs. Forbes gave her for herlate lunch, and said that she felt better. 

"You look so, " returned the housekeeper. The child had not once calledher upstairs during the morning. She certainly was as little trouble asa sick child could be. 

"If 't was anybody else, " mused Mrs. Forbes, regarding her, "I shouldsay that she sensed the situation and knew she'd brought it on herselfand me, and was trying to make up for it; but nobody can tell what shethinks. Her eyes do look more natural. I guess Dr. Ballard's a goodone. "

"It don't seem to hurt you to swallow now, " remarked Mrs. Forbes. 

"No'm, it doesn't, she answered. 

"Now then, you see how foolish and naughty it was the way you behavedabout having the doctor this morning. Look how much better you arealready!"

"Yes'm, I love Dr. Ballard. "

"You well may. He's done well by you. " Mrs. Forbes took the tray. "Nowdo you feel like going to sleep again? The doctor won't come till aboutsix o'clock. Your fever'll rise toward evening, and that's the time hewants to see you. I shall sleep in the spare room next you to-night. "

"Thank you, Mrs. Forbes. You are so kind; but you won't have to, "replied the child earnestly. "Would you please draw up the curtainsand put Anna Belle's clothes on the bed? Perhaps I'll dress her after awhile. It doesn't seem fair to make her stay in bed when it wasn't hererror. "

"I don't think you'd better keep your arms out, " returned Mrs. Forbesdecidedly. "I'll put up the curtains, but when you come to try to doanything you'll find you are very weak. You can ring the bell when youwant to, you know. And don't take your medicine again for an hour aftereating. I'd take another nap right away if I was you. "

When she had gone out, Jewel shook her head at the doll, whose face wassmiling toward her own. "You denied it, didn't you, dearie, the minuteshe said it, " she whispered. "Error is using Mrs. Forbes to hold meunder mortal mind laws, but it can't be so, because God doesn't want it, and I'm not afraid any more. "

Jewel put her hand under her pillow and drew out the two slips of paperthat bore her mother's messages. These she read through several times. "Of course there are more, Anna Belle. I shouldn't wonder if there wasone in every pocket, but I don't mean to hunt. Divine love will sendthem to me just when I need them, the way He did these. I'm sorry Ican't dress you, dearie, because you've just reflected love all thetime, and ought not to be in bed at all; but I must obey, you know, sothere won't be discord. I'd love to just hop up and get your clothes, but you'll forgive me for not, I know. "

Again Jewel put her hand under her pillow and drew forth her copy of"Science and Health. " "I'll read to you a little, dearie. " She openedthe book to page 393 and read, "Rise in the strength of Spirit to resistall that is unlike God. " Jewel paused and thought for a minute. "Youmight think, Anna Belle, that that meant rise against Mrs. Forbes, butit doesn't. It means rise against all error, and one error is believingthat Mrs. Forbes is cross or afraid. " She went on reading for severalminutes, passing glibly over familiar phrases and sticking at orskipping words which presented difficulties. 

While she was thus employed Eloise again stole quietly to her cousin'sdoor, and hearing the soft voice she grew pale. Her mother had exacteda promise from her that she would not enter the room until Dr. Ballardconsented, so after a minute's hesitation she fled downstairs and foundMrs. Forbes. 

"I think the little girl must be worse! She is talking to herselfincessantly. "

Mrs. Forbes regarded the pale face coldly. "I guess there's somemistake. She was better when I saw her half an hour ago. I'll go up in aminute. "

The minute stretched to five; Jewel had slept scarcely at all the nightbefore, and by the time the housekeeper had laboriously reached herdoor, her voice had grown fainter, then stopped, and she was soundasleep. 

"I wish Mamzell would keep her finger out of this pie, " soliloquizedMrs. Forbes as she retraced her steps. 

When Mr. Evringham returned from the city, his first question, as Zekemet him, was concerning Jewel. 

"Mother says she's slept the most of the day, " replied the coachman, hishead stiff in his high collar and his eyes looking straight ahead. 

"H'm. A good sign does she think, or is it stupor?"

"I couldn't say, sir. "

Reaching the house, a long pasteboard box in his hands, Mr. Evringhamfound that his grandchild was still asleep. 

"I fear the worst, Mrs. Forbes, " he said with nervous curtness. "When astupor attacks children it is a very bad sign I am told. I'll just ringup Ballard. "

He did so, but the doctor had gone out and was intending to call at thepark before he returned. 

"I really think it is all right, Mr. Evringham, " said Mrs. Forbes, distressed by her employer's uneasiness. "Dr. Ballard expected she'dsleep a great deal. He told me not to disturb her. "

"Oh, very well then, perhaps it is not to be regretted. Kindly put thoseroses in the deep vase, Mrs. Forbes. "

"Yes, sir. " She took up the box. "Besides, Mr. Evringham, if she doesget worse, you know the hospital here is one of the very best, andyou"--

Mr. Evringham wheeled and frowned upon the speaker fiercely. "Hospital!"he ejaculated. "An extraordinary suggestion, Mrs. Forbes! Mostextraordinary! My granddaughter remains in my house. "

Mrs. Forbes, crimson with surprise and mortification, retreated. "Verywell, sir, " she faltered. "Will you have the roses on the dinner table, Mr. Evringham?"

"No. Set them here on my desk if you please. " With this Mr. Evringhambegan walking up and down the floor, pausing once to take up the yellowchicken. During the day the soft moan, "I wanted you so all night, grandpa, " had been ringing in his ears. 

"Mrs. Forbes has no understanding of the child, " he muttered, "and ofcourse I cannot expect anything from the cat and her kitten. "

With this he began again his promenade. Mrs. Forbes returned with theroses, and simultaneously Mr. Evringham saw Essex Maid arching her neckas she picked her steps past the window. 

"By the way, " he said curtly, "let Zeke take the Maid back to the barn. I'll not ride to-day. "

"It's very fine weather, sir, " protested Mrs. Forbes. 

"I'll not ride. I'll wait here for Dr. Ballard. "

The housekeeper went forth to give the order. 

"I never saw Mr. Evringham so upset in my life, " she said in anawestruck tone. 

"I saw the governor wasn't real comfortable, " returned the boy. "Guesshe's afraid he's goin' to catch the mumps or something. It would be realharrowin' if he got any worse case of big head than he's got already. "

Mr. Evringham was little accustomed to waiting, and by the time Dr. Ballard appeared, his nervousness had become painful. "The child's slepttoo much, I'm sure of it, Ballard, " was his greeting. "I don't know whatwe're going to find up there, I declare I don't. "

"It depends on whether it's a good sleep, " returned the doctor, and hiscomposed face and manner acted at once beneficially upon Mr. Evringham. 

"Well, you'll know, Guy, you'll know, my boy. Mrs. Forbes saw youcoming, and she has gone upstairs to prepare the little girl. She'll beglad to see you this time, I'll wager. "

The broker, roses in hand, ascended the staircase after the physician. Mrs. Forbes was standing at the foot of the bed, and the room waspleasantly light as they entered. Jewel, the flush of sleep on hercheeks, was looking expectantly toward the door. Dr. Ballard came infirst and she smiled in welcome, then Mr. Evringham appeared, heavyroses nodding in all directions before him. 

"Grandpa!" exclaimed the child. "Why, grandpa, did _you_ come?"

There was no mistaking the joy in her tone. Dr. Ballard paused insurprise, while the stockbroker approached the bed. 

"I brought you a few flowers, Jewel, " he said, while she pressed hisdisengaged hand against her cheek. 

"They're the most lovely ones I ever saw, " she returned with conviction. "They make me happy just to look at them. "

"Well, Jewel, " said the doctor, "I hear you've been making up forlost sleep in great shape. " His eyes, as he spoke, were taking in withconcentrated interest the signs in her face. He came and sat beside thebed, while Mr. Evringham fell back and Mrs. Forbes regarded the childcritically. 

"Well, now, you're a good little patient, " went on the doctor, as henoted the clear eyes. 

"Yes, Dr. Ballard, I feel just as nice as can be, " she answered. 

"No thickness in the voice. I fancy that sore throat is better. " Theyoung doctor could not repress his smile of satisfaction. "I was certainthat was the right attenuation, " he thought. "Now let us see. "

He took out the little thermometer, and Jewel submitted to having itslipped beneath her tongue. 

As Dr. Ballard leaned back in his chair to wait, he looked up at Mr. Evringham. "It is very gratifying, " he said, "to find these conditionsat this hour of the day. I felt a little more uneasy this morning than Iconfessed. " He nodded in satisfactory thought. "I grant you medicine isnot an exact science, it is an art, an art. You can't prescribe by hardand fast rules. You must take into consideration the personal equation. "

Presently he leaned forward and removed the thermometer. His eyes smiledas he read it, and he lifted it toward Mr. Evringham. 

"I can't see it, boy. "

"Well, there's nothing to see. She hasn't a particle of temperature. Look here, little one, " frowning at Jewel, "if everybody recovered asquickly as you have, where would we doctors be?"

Turning again and addressing Mr. Evringham, he went on, "I'mparticularly interested in this result because that is a remedy overwhich there has been some altercation. There's one man to whom I shallbe glad to relate this experience. " The doctor leaned toward hislittle patient. "Jewel, I'm not so surprised as I might be at yourimprovement, " he said kindly. "You will have to excuse me for a littlerighteous deception. I put medicine into that glass of water, and nowyou're glad I did, aren't you? I'd like you to tell me, little girl, asnear as you can, how often you took it?"

"I didn't take it, " replied the child. 

Dr. Ballard drew back a little. "You mean, " he said after a moment, "youtook it only once?"

"No, sir, I didn't take it at all. "

There was a silence, during which all could hear the ticking of theclock on the table, and the three pairs eyes were fixed on Jewel withsuch varying expressions of amazement and disapproval that the child'sbreath began to come faster. 

"Didn't you drink any of the water?" asked Dr. Ballard at last. 

"Yes, out of the pitcher. "

"Why not out of the glass?"

"It didn't look enough. I was so thirsty. "

They could not doubt her. 

Mr. Evringham finally found his voice. 

"Jewel, why didn't you obey the doctor?" His eyes and voice were soserious that she stretched out her arm. 

"Oh, grandpa, " she said, "please let me take hold of your hand. "

"No, not till you answer me. Little girls should be obedient. "

Jewel thought a minute. 

"He said it wasn't medicine, so what was the use?" she asked. 

Mr. Evringham, seeming to find an answer to this difficult, bit the endof his mustache. 

Dr. Ballard was feeling his very ears grow red, while Mrs. Forbes's lipswere set in a line of exasperation. 

"Grandpa, " said Jewel, and the child's voice was very earnest, "there'sa Bible over there on the table. You look in there in the Gospels, andyou'll find everywhere how Jesus tells us to do what I've done. He saidhe must go away, but he would send the Comforter to us, and this booktells about the Comforter. " Jewel took the copy of "Science and Health"from under the sheet. 

"God's creation couldn't get sick. It's just His own image and likeness, so how could it? And when you can get right into God's love, what do youwant of medicine to swallow? God wouldn't be omnipotent if He needed anyhelp. You see I'm well. Isn't that all you want, grandpa?"

The appeal of her eyes caused the broker to stir undecidedly. "I neverdid have any use for doctors, " he thought, after the manner of many who, nevertheless, are eager to fly to the brotherhood for help at the firstsuggestion of pain. Moreover, the humor of the situation was beginningto dawn upon him, and he admired the fine temper and self-control withwhich the young physician pulled himself together and rose. 

"_I_ am glad you are well, Jewel, very, " he said; "but the next time Iam called to prescribe for a little Christian Scientist I shall putthe pellets on her tongue. " He smiled as he took up his case and saidgood-by. 

Mr. Evringham followed him down the stairs, heroically resisting theimpulse to laugh. Only one remark he allowed himself as he bade thedoctor good-by. 

"You're quite right, Ballard, in your theory. Jewel has been here onlythree days, but I could have told you that in doing anything whateverfor her, it is always absolutely necessary to consider the personalequation. "

CHAPTER XIII

IN THE LIBRARY

As Mr. Evringham turned from the closed door he met his daughter-in-lawcoming out into the hall. 

"I've been watching for Dr. Ballard, " she said with annoyance. "I don'tsee why I didn't hear him come down. " At this juncture she paused, surprised to observe that her father-in-law was laughing. She attributedthis unusual ebullition to ridicule of herself. 

"I only wanted to ask if Julia's illness is infectious, " she went onwith dignity. "Eloise and I are naturally very anxious. We should liketo do anything for her we can, if it is quite safe. "

"Madam, don't, I pray, for all our sakes, run any risk, " returned Mr. Evringham, his lips still twitching as he bowed mockingly. 

"It would be very foolish, " answered Mrs. Evringham, unabashed. "Youwouldn't care to have more invalids on your hands. It has been all Icould do to keep Eloise away from the sick room to-day. "

"Is it possible!" commented Mr. Evringham, smoothing his mustache. 

"Not only possible but true, and I wished to go to headquarters and findout the exact state of the case. "

Again the broker's shoulders began to shake. 

"Ballard isn't headquarters, " he replied. 

Mrs. Evringham regarded him, startled. She wondered if affairs wereperhaps very serious, and her father-in-law's nerves overstrained. She knew that he had dispensed with the afternoon ride which was soimportant to him. 

She grew a shade paler. "I wish you would tell me, father, just what thedoctor said, " she begged. 

Mr. Evringham raised a protesting hand. "I couldn't think of it, " helaughed. "It would give me apoplexy. "

His daughter-in-law began to retreat, and the broker passed her and wentinto his study, still laughing. 

Mrs. Evringham stood with lips parted, looking after him. Her heart beatfast. The doctor had called twice. He had come down the stairs in deadsilence just now. She knew it, for she had been listening and waitingto intercept him. She had meant to say a number of pretty things to himconcerning Eloise's anxiety about her little cousin. Her own anxietyredoubled, and she hurried to her daughter's room and narrated herexperience. 

"I really think we may have to go, Eloise, " she finished nervously. "Even if it isn't infectious, it is so dreadfully dispiriting to be in ahouse where there is a dangerous illness, and possibly worse. I've beenthinking perhaps we might go in town and take lodgings for a while. Noone need know it. We could even stay there through the summer. None ofour friends would be in town; then in autumn we could come back here. "

Eloise's lip curled. "I doubt that, " she returned. "Grandfather willbe forearmed. I prophesy, mother, that you will never get our trunks uphere again after you once take them out. "

"Really, Eloise, you do put things most repulsively, " returned Mrs. Evringham with vexation. "Besides, how do we know what the future isgoing to bring forth? Father behaves to me as if he might be on theverge of brain fever himself. "

"Poor little Jewel!" exclaimed the girl. "I hope she will pull through, but if she is the cause of our leaving here, I shall always love hermemory. "

"I don't know whether father will even come to dinner, " said Mrs. Evringham, pursuing her own thoughts, "but I suppose we shall see Mrs. Forbes. I do hope she has some sense about using disinfectants. It'soutrageous for her to come near the dining-room when she is taking careof that child. Of course they'll have a nurse at once. Forbes doesn'tlike going out of her beaten track. "

"I can't forget that poor little voice rambling on so monotonously thisafternoon, " said Eloise. "I strained my ears to listen, but I couldmake out only that she said something about 'love' and then about'righteousness. ' What a word for that little mouth. "

"I've seen smaller, " remarked Mrs. Evringham. 

When finally they entered the dining-room punctually at the appointedhour, --even Mrs. Evringham dared take no liberties with that, --the hostwas there and greeted them as usual. Mrs. Forbes came in and took herposition near him. Her employer gave her a side glance. His fears forJewel allayed, his regard for his housekeeper's opinions had returned infull force. 

He wished to ask for the little girl, to ask what she was doing now, andwhat she would like sent up for dinner, but he had not the courage. Theaghast countenance which Mrs. Forbes had exhibited at the moment whenthe enormity of Jewel's conduct transpired remained in his memory. Thehousekeeper's appearance at present was noncommittal. Mrs. Evringhamsent her piercing and questioning glances in vain. 

The silence in the usually silent room had not had time to becomenoticeable when the portiere was pushed aside and Jewel, arrayed inthe dotted dress and carefully bearing the tall vase of nodding roses, entered the room. 

Mrs. Evringham uttered a little cry and dropped her spoon. Eloise staredwild-eyed. The housekeeper flushed. 

"Good evening, " said the child, glancing about as she approached, andsighing with relief as she set the heavy vase on the edge of the table. "I had to come down so carefully not to spill, grandpa, that it mademe a little late. Mrs. Forbes said you brought me the roses underfalse--false pretends, so I thought perhaps you would like them on thetable. "

The housekeeper, hurrying forward, seized the vase from its precariousposition and placed it in the centre of the board. "I didn't tell youyou might come downstairs, " she said, as she buttoned the middle buttonof Jewel's dress. 

The little girl looked up in innocent surprise. "You said I might dressme, so why should anybody have to bring up my dinner?" she asked. 

Mrs. Forbes's countenance looked so lowering that Mr. Evringham hastenedto speak in his brusque and final fashion. "She is here now. Might aswell let her stay. "

Jewel jumped into her chair and turned toward him with an apologeticsmile. "I couldn't make my hair look very nice, " she said, with thelift of her shoulders which he had come to connect with her confidentialmoments. Remembering the feverish child of the morning, he looked at herin silent wonder. The appearance of her flaxen head he could see wasin contrast to the trim and well-cared-for look it had worn when shearrived. 

"Poor little thing!" he thought. "She looks motherless--motherless. "Involuntarily he cast a glance of impatience at his other guests. Theexpression of blank amazement on their faces stirred him to amusement. 

"If you are afraid of infection, Madge, don't hesitate to retire to yourroom, " he said. "Your dinner will be sent to you. "

"What does this mean!" ejaculated Mrs. Evringham. "Why is Dr. Ballardcoming twice a day to see that child?"

"To cure her, of course, " returned the broker, his lips breaking intosmiles. "Why do doctors generally visit patients?"

"Then when he came the second time he found her well?"

"Ha, ha, " laughed Mr. Evringham, "yes, that's it. He found her well. "

Eloise and her mother gazed at him in astonishment. Mrs. Forbes'sface was immovable. A sense of humor was not included in her mentalequipment, and she considered the whole affair lamentable and unseemlyin the extreme. 

"Grandpa, " said Jewel, looking at him with gentle reproach, "you're notlaughing at Dr. Ballard, are you? He's the _kindest_ man. I love him, next to you, best of anybody in Bel-Air"--then thinking this declarationmight hurt her aunt and cousin, she added, "because I know him the best, you know. He tried to deceive me about the medicine, but it was onlybecause he didn't know that there isn't any righteous deceiving. Hemeant to do me good. "

Mrs. Evringham looked curiously from the child to her father-in-law. Asshe herself said later, she had never felt so "out of it" in her life. As the subject concerned Dr. Ballard, she wished to understand clearlywhat circumstance could possibly have induced Mr. Evringham to laughrepeatedly. 

"I was passing your door this afternoon, " said Eloise, addressing Jewel, "and I heard you talking. I knew there was no one with you, and I fearedyou were very ill. "

The little girl was always pleased when her beautiful cousin looked ather. 

"I guess I was reading. Of course I was in a hurry to get well, so assoon as the fever was gone and I felt comfortable, I began to readout loud from 'Science and Health' to Anna Belle. She's a ChristianScientist, too. "

The faces of Mrs. Evringham and Eloise were studies as they gazed at thespeaker. 

Mr. Evringham glanced at them maliciously under his heavy brows as Sarahbrought in the second course. 

"Is Anna Belle your doll?" asked Eloise, for the moment sufficientlyinterested almost to lose her self-consciousness. 

"Yes, " eagerly. "Would you like to see her?" Jewel gave a fleetingglance at Mrs. Forbes. "She always comes to the table with me at home, "she added. 

"Sit still, " murmured Mrs. Forbes in low, sepulchral warning. 

"Now then, Jewel, " said Mr. Evringham as he began to serve the filet, "you didn't take the doctor's medicine. What do you think made that highfever go away?"

The little girl looked up brightly. "Oh, I telegraphed to Mrs. Lewis, one of mother's friends in Chicago, to treat me. "

"The dev--What do you mean, child?"

Mr. Evringham gazed at her, and his tone was so fierce, although he wasonly very much amazed, that Jewel's smile faded. The corners of herlips drew down pitifully, and suddenly she slipped from her chair, andrunning to him threw her arms around his neck and buried her avertedface, revealing two forlorn little flaxen pigtails devoid of ribbons. 

"What's this, Jewel?" he said quickly, fearfully embarrassed before hiswondering audience. "This is very irregular, very irregular. " He droppedhis fork perforce, and his hand closed over the little arm across hiscravat. 

Jewel was trying to control a sob that struggled to escape, and sayingover and over, as nearly as he could understand, something about Godbeing Love. 

"Go right back to your chair now, like a good girl. "

"Do you--love me?" whispered Jewel. 

"Yes--yes, I do. "

"You spoke like"--a sob--"like hating. "

"Not at all, not at all, " rejoined Mr. Evringham quickly, "but I wasvery much surprised, very. "

"Shall I take her upstairs, sir?" asked Mrs. Forbes, nearly burstingwith the outrage of such an interruption to her employer's sacreddinner. 

"No, she's going to sit right down in her chair and not make anytrouble. Don't you like those roses I brought you, Jewel?" he addedawkwardly, hoping to make a diversion. He was successful. She loweredher face, a fleeting April smile flitting over it. 

"Did grandfather bring you those lovely roses?" asked Eloise. 

Mr. Evringham flashed her his first glance of approval for so quicklytaking the cue. 

"Yes, " replied the child, her breath catching as she went back to herchair. "I seemed so sick when he went away this morning was the reason;so now I'm well again--they belong to everybody, don't they, grandpa?"

Mr. Evringham paused to consider a reply. He desired to be careful inpublic not to draw upon himself that small catapult. 

"They belong to you still, Jewel. I never take back my presents, " hereturned at last. 

"And I think Mrs. Forbes was mistaken about the false pretends, " saidthe child, swallowing and looking apologetically at the housekeeper, "because who would pretend such error as sickness, and of course you'dknow I didn't pretend. "

"Certainly not, " said Mr. Evringham. "Mrs. Forbes didn't mean that. Thewhole thing seems like a dream now, " he added. 

"What else could it seem like?" returned Jewel, smiling faintly towardher grandfather with an air of having caught him napping. 

"Like reality, " he returned dryly. 

She gazed at him, her smile fading. 

He looked up apprehensively and cringed a little, not at all sure thatthe next instant would not find the rose-leaf cheek next his, and aclose whisper driving cold chills down his back; but the child onlypaused a moment. 

"Reality is so much different from sin, disease, and death, " she said atlast, in a matter-of-fact manner. It was too much for Mrs. Evringham'srisibles. She laughed in spite of her daughter's reproachful glance. 

"How wonderful if true!" she exclaimed. 

"It is true, " returned Jewel soberly. "Even Anna Belle knows that; butI'm sure that you haven't learned anything about Christian Science, auntMadge, " she added politely. 

"What makes you so sure?" returned Mrs. Evringham banteringly. 

Jewel flushed with embarrassment and glanced at her grandfatherinvoluntarily, but he was busy eating and evidently would not help her. 

"I'd rather not say, " replied the child at last, and her rejoinderincited her aunt to further merriment. 

"Aunt Madge doesn't laugh in a nice way, " thought Jewel. "It's evenpleasanter when she looks sorry. "

"What is real then, Jewel?" asked Eloise gravely. 

The child flashed upon her a sweet look. 

"Everything good and glad, " she answered. 

Something rose in the girl's throat, and she pressed her lips togetherfor an instant. 

"You are happy to believe that, " she returned. 

"Oh, I don't believe it, " replied Jewel. "It's one of the things I_know_. Mother says we only believe things when we aren't sure aboutthem. Mother knows such a lot of beautiful truth. "

The child looked at her cousin wistfully as she spoke. Eloise couldscarcely retain her proud and nonchalant bearing beneath the blue eyes. They seemed to see through to her wretchedness. 

She did not look at Jewel again during dinner. At the close Mr. Evringham pushed his chair back. 

"I should like you to come with me into my study, Jewel, for a fewminutes. "

The child's face brightened, and she left the table with alacrity. Mr. Evringham stood back to allow his guests to pass out. They went on tothe drawing-room, where Mrs. Evringham's self-restraint was loosed. 

"The plot thickens, Eloise!" she said. 

"And we are not going away, " returned the girl. 

"Decidedly not, " declared her mother with emphasis. 

"There is no hope of our catching anything that Jewel has now, " went onEloise. 

Her mother glanced at her suspiciously. "What, for instance?"

"Oh, " returned the girl, shrugging her shoulder, "faith, hope, andcharity. "

Mrs. Evringham laughed. "Indeed! Is the wind in that quarter? Then withthe Christian Science microbe in the house, there's no telling what mayhappen to you. Something more serious than a fever, perhaps. " She noddedknowingly. "This sudden recovery looks very queer to me. I'd keep thechild in bed if I were in authority. Some diseases are so treacherous. There's walking typhoid fever, for instance. She may have it for all weknow. I shall have a very serious talk with Dr. Ballard when he comes. "

An ironical smile flitted over the girl's lips as she drifted toward thepiano. "I judge from the remarks at the table, that the less you say toDr. Ballard on the subject of to-day's experiences the better. "

"I know it, " indignantly. "I'm sure that child must have played somepractical joke on him. I want to get to the bottom of it. What a strangelittle monkey she is! How long will father stand it? What did you think, Eloise, when she swooped upon him so suddenly?"

"I thought of just one sentence, " returned the girl. "'Perfect lovecasteth out fear. '"

"Why in the world should she love him?" protested Mrs. Evringham. 

"She would love us all if we would let her, " returned Eloise, thephrases of "Vogel als Prophete" beginning to ripple softly from beneathher fingers. "I saw it from the first. I felt it that first evening, when we behaved toward her like a couple of boors. Any one can see shehas never been snubbed, never neglected. She got out of the lap of loveto come to this icebox. No wonder the change of temperature made herill!"

"Why, Eloise, what has come over you? You never used to be disagreeable. It's a good thing the child is amiable. It's the only thing left for aplain girl to be. "

"No one will ever remember that she is plain, " remarked Eloise. 

Her mother raised her eyebrows doubtingly. "Perhaps your perceptions areso keen that you can explain how Jewel managed to telegraph to Chicagoto-day, " she said. "It reminded me of Dooley's comments on ChristianScience. Do you remember what he said about 'rejucin' a swellin' over along distance tillyphone'?"

"I can't imagine how she managed it, " admitted Eloise. 

Neither could Mr. Evringham. He had taken Jewel into his study nowwith the intention of finding out, deeming a secluded apartment moredesirable for catechism which might lay him liable to personal attack. 

As they entered the library he turned on the light, and Jewel glancedabout with her usual alert and ready admiration. 

"Is this your own, own particular room, grandpa?" she asked. 

"Yes, where I keep all my books and papers. "

The child's eye suddenly lighted on the yellow chicken, and she lookedup at Mr. Evringham with a pleased smile. He had forgotten the chicken, and took the seat before his desk, glancing vaguely about to see whichchair would be least heavy and ponderous for his guest. She settledthe matter without any hesitation by jumping upon his knee. Jewel had asubject on her mind which pressed heavily, and before her companionhad had time to do more than wink once or twice in his surprise, sheproceeded to it. 

"Do you know, grandpa, I think it's hard for Mrs. Forbes to love peoplevery much, " she said in a lowered voice, as if perhaps the walls mighthave ears. "I wanted to ask her yesterday morning if she didn't love mewhom she had seen, how could she love God whom she hadn't seen. Grandpa, would you be willing to tie my bows?"

"To tie"--repeated Mr. Evringham, and paused. 

The child was gazing into his eyes earnestly. She put her hand into herpocket and took out two long pieces of blue ribbon. 

"You see, you're my only real relation, " she explained, "and so I don'tlike to ask anybody else. "

The startled look in her grandfather's face moved her to proceedencouragingly. 

"You tie your neckties just beautifully, grandpa; and Mrs. Forbes doesher duty so _hard_, and she wants to have my hair cut off, to savetrouble. " Jewel put her hand up to one short pigtail protectingly. 

"And you don't want it cut off, eh?"

"No; and mother wouldn't either. So it would be error, and I'm sure Icould learn to fix it better than I did to-night, if you would tie thebows. Just try one right now, grandpa. "

"With the house full of women!" gasped Mr. Evringham. 

"But none of them my real relatives, " replied Jewel, and she turned theback of her head to him, putting the ribbons in his hands. 

His fingers fumbled at the task for a minute, and his breathing began tobe heavy. 

"Is it hard, grandpa?" she asked sympathetically. "You can do it. You reflect intelligence. " Then in an instant, "Oh, I've thought ofsomething. " She whisked about, took the ribbons and tied one tightlyaround the end of each braid, then ducking her forehead into his shirtfront, "Now put your arms around my neck and tie the bow just as if itwas on yourself. " Eureka! The thing was accomplished and Mrs. Forbesoutwitted. The broker was rather pleased with himself, at the billowyappearance of the ribbon which covered such a multitude of sins in theway of bad parting and braiding. He took his handkerchief and wipedthe beads of perspiration from his brow, while Jewel regarded him withadmiring affection. 

"I knew you could do just _anything_, grandpa!" she said. "You see, "looking off at a mental vision of the housekeeper, "we could come inhere every morning for a minute before breakfast, and she'd never know, would she?" The child lifted her shoulders and laughed softly withpleasure at the plot. 

Mr. Evringham saw his opportunity to take the floor. 

"Now Jewel, I would like to have you explain what you meant by sayingthat you telegraphed to Chicago to-day, when you didn't leave your bed. "

She looked up at him attentively. "Ezekiel took it for me, " she replied. 

Mr. Evringham unconsciously heaved a sigh of relief at this commonplaceinformation. His knowledge of the claims of Christian Science wasextremely vague, and he had feared being obliged to listen to adeclaration of the use of some means of communication which would makeMarconi's discoveries appear like clumsy makeshifts. 

"But I think, grandpa, perhaps you'd better not tell Mrs. Forbes. "

"How did you manage to see Zeke?"

"I asked his mother if he might come to see me before he took you to thetrain. "

Mr. Evringham pulled his mustache in amusement. "Did he pay for thetelegram?"

"Why no, grandpa. I told you I had plenty of money. "

"And you think that Mrs. Somebody in Chicago cured you?"

"Of course not. God did. "

"But she asked Him, eh?"

Jewel's innocent eyes looked directly into the quizzical ones. "It'spretty hard for a little girl to teach you about it if you don't know, "she said doubtfully. 

"I _don't_ know, " he replied, his mood altered by her tone, "but Ishould like to know what you think about it. Your cure was a rathersurprising one to us all. "

"I can tell you some of the things I know. "

"Do so then. "

"Well"--a pause--"there wasn't anything to cure, you see. "

"Ah! You weren't ill then!"

"No--o, " scornfully, "of course not. I knew it all the time, but itseemed so real to me, and so hot, I knew I'd have to have some one elsehandle the claim for me. "

"It certainly did seem rather real. " Mr. Evringham smiled. 

Jewel saw that he did not in the least comprehend. 

"You know there isn't any devil, don't you, grandpa?" she askedpatiently. 

"Well, sometimes I have my doubts. "

The little girl tried to discover by his eyes if he were in earnest. 

"If you believe there is, then you could believe that I was reallysick; but if you believe there isn't, and that God created everybody andeverything, then it is so easy to understand that I wasn't. Think of Godcreating anything bad!"

Mr. Evringham nodded vaguely. "When mother comes home she'll tell youabout it, if you want her to. " She sighed a little and abruptly changedthe subject. "Grandpa, are you going to be working at your desk?"

"Yes, for a while. "

"Could I sit over at that table and write a letter while you're busy? Iwouldn't speak. " She slipped down from his knee. 

"I don't know about your having ink. You're a rather small girl to bewriting letters. "

"Oh no, I'll take a pencil--because sometimes I move quickly and inktips over. "

"Quite so. I'm glad you realize that, else I should be afraid to haveyou come to my study. "

"You'd better not be afraid, " the child shook her head sagely, "becausethat makes things happen. "

Her grandfather regarded her curiously. This small Bible student, whocouldn't tie her own hair ribbons, was an increasing problem to him. 

CHAPTER XIV

FAMILY AFFAIRS

He continued to watch the child furtively, while she made herarrangements for writing. Finding that no chair in the room would bringher to a proper height for the table, she looked all about, and finallyskipped over to the morocco lounge and tugged from it a pillow almosttoo heavy for her to carry; but she arrived with it at the chair, much to the amusement of Mr. Evringham, who affected absorption inhis papers, while he enjoyed the exhibition of the child's energy andindependence. 

"She's the kind that 'makes old shears cut, ' as my mother used to say, "he mused, and turning, the better to view the situation, he found Jewelmounted on her perch and watching him fixedly. 

She looked relieved. "I didn't want to disturb you, grandpa, but may Iask one question?"

"Yes. "

"Did I consult Dr. Ballard this afternoon?"

"Not that I noticed, " returned Mr. Evringham; and Jewel suspected fromhis expression that she had said something amusing. 

"Well, it was a word that sounded like consult that Mrs. Forbes said Idid. "

"Insult, perhaps, " suggested Mr. Evringham. 

"Oh yes. How do you spell it, grandpa?"

Mr. Evringham told her, and added dryly, "That was rather too stronglanguage for Mrs. Forbes to apply to the fact. "

"Yes, " replied the child. "I knew it was a hating word. " Then withoutfurther parley she squared her elbows on the table and bent over hersheet of paper. 

"I wonder what version of it she'll give her mother, " thought thebroker, rummaging vaguely in the pigeon holes of his desk. His laborsfinally sifted down to the unearthing of a late novel from a drawer athis right hand, and lowering a convenient, green-shaded electric light, he lit his cigar, and was soon lost in the pages of the story. 

At last he became conscious that the pencil at the table had ceased tomove, and lowering his book he looked up. His granddaughter had beenwatching for this happy event, and she no sooner met his eyes than, witha smile of satisfaction, she jumped from her morocco perch and broughthim a sheet of paper well and laboriously covered. 

"I suppose it isn't all spelled right, " she said. "I didn't want todisturb you to ask; but will you please direct this to Dr. Ballard?"

"To Dr. Ballard!" repeated Mr. Evringham. His curiosity impelled him. "Shall I see if it is spelled right?"

Jewel assenting, he read the following in a large and waving hand. 

DEAR DOCTOR BALUD--Mrs. Forbs felt bad because I did not take yourMedsin. She said it was an insult. I want to tell you I did not meen anInsult. We can't help loving God beter than any body, but I love you andif I took any medsin I would rather take yours than any boddy's. Mrs. Forbs says you will send a big Bill to Grandpa and that it was error towaist it. Please send the Bill to me because I have Plenty of munny, andI shall love to pay you. You were very kind and did not put any thing onmy Tung. 

Your loving JEWEL. 

Mr. Evringham continued to look at the signature for a minute before hespoke. Jewel was leaning against his arm and reading with him. The lastlines slanted deeply, there being barely room in the lower corner forthe writer's name. 

"I can't write very straight without lines, " she said. 

"You do very well indeed, " he returned. "About that bill, Jewel, " headded after a moment. "Perhaps you would better let me pay it. I believeyou said you had three dollars, but even that won't last forever, youknow. You've spent some of it, too. How much, now?"

"I've spent fifty cents. " Jewel cast a furtive look around at thechicken, "And, oh yes, fifty cents more for the telegram. How much doyou think Dr. Ballard's bill will be?"

"I think it will take every cent you have left, " returned Mr. Evringham, gravely, curious to hear what his granddaughter would say in thisdilemma. 

Her reply came promptly and even eagerly. "Well, that's all right, because Divine Love will send me more if I need it. "

"Indeed? How can you be sure?"

Jewel smiled at him affectionately. "Do you mean it grandpa?"

"Why yes. I really want to know. "

"Even after God sent you Essex Maid?" she asked incredulously. 

"You think the mare is the best thing in my possession, eh?"

"Ye--es! Don't you?"

"I believe I do. " As Mr. Evringham spoke, this kinship of taste inducedhim to turn his face toward the one beside him. Instantly he foundhimself kissed full on the lips, and while he was recovering from theshock, Jewel proceeded:--

"God has given you so many things, grandpa, that's why it surprised meto have you look so sorry when I first came. " The child examined hiscountenance critically. "I don't think you look so sorry as you used to. I know you must have lots of error to meet, and perhaps, " lowering hervoice to an extra gentleness, "perhaps you don't know how to rememberevery minute that God is a very present help in trouble. Mother saysthat even grown-up people are just finding out about it. "

As she paused Mr. Evringham hesitated, somewhat embarrassed underthe blue eyes. "We all have plenty to learn, I dare say, " he returnedvaguely. 

He had more than once wished that he had taken more notice of Harry'swife during his opportunity at the hotel. He had looked upon theinterview as a distasteful necessity to be disposed of as cursorily aspossible. 

His son had married beneath him, some working girl probably, whoseability to support herself had turned out to be a deliverance forher father-in-law when the ne'er-do-well husband shirked hisresponsibilities; and Mr. Evringham had gone to the hotel that eveningintending to make it clear that although he performed a favor for hisson, there were no results to follow. 

His granddaughter's fearlessness, courtesy, and affection had forcedhim to wonder as to the mother who had fostered these qualities. Heremembered the eloquence of his son's face when Harry expressed the wishthat he might know Julia, and a vague admiration and respect were beingborn in the broker's heart for the deserted woman who had worked withhand and brain for her child--his grandchild was the way he put it--withsuch results as he saw. 

Some perception of what Harry's sensations must have been during thelast six months came to him as he sat there with the little girl's armabout him. Harry had come home and discovered his child, his Jewel. Afrown gathered on the broker's brow as he realized the hours of vainregret his son must have suffered for those lost years of the child'slife. 

"Served him right, served him perfectly right!"

"What grandpa?"

The question made Mr. Evringham aware that the indignant words had beenmuttered above his breath. 

"I was thinking of your father, " he replied. "Has he learned thesethings that your mother has taught you?"

"Oh yes, " with soft eagerness; "father is learning everything. " Jewelsaw her grandfather's frown and she lowered her voice almost to awhisper. "Don't feel sorry about father, grandpa. He says he's thehappiest man in the world. Mother didn't find out about God till afterfather had gone to California, or he wouldn't have gone; and for a longtime she didn't know where he was, and I was only beginning to walkaround, so I couldn't help her; but when I got bigger I had father'spicture, and we used to talk to it every day, and at last mother knewthat Divine Love would bring father back; and pretty soon he beganto write to her, and he said he couldn't come home because he felt sosorry, and he was going to the war. So then mother and I prayed a greatdeal every day, and we knew father would be taken care of. And thenmother kept writing to him not to be sorry, because error was nothingand the child of God could always have his right place, and everythinglike that, and at last the war was over and he came home. " Jewel paused. 

Mr. Evringham wondered what she was seeing with that far-away look. 

Presently she turned to him with the smile of irresistiblesweetness--Harry's smile--and a surprising fullness came in the broker'sthroat. "Father's just splendid, " she finished. 

Her grandfather was not wholly pleased with the verdict. He had gained ataste for incense himself. 

"He has been at home over six months, I believe, " he returned. 

"Yes, all winter; and we have more _fun_!"

"Your father is not a Christian Scientist, I presume, " remarked Mr. Evringham. 

"Oh yes, he's learning to be. Of course he goes to church--"

"He does, eh?" put in the broker, surprised. 

"Of course; and he studies the lesson with us every day. He had beensorry so much and so long, you know, mother said he was all ready; andbeside--beside"--Jewel hesitated and became silent. 

"Beside what?"

She began very softly and half reluctantly. "Father had a sickness twoor three times when he first came home, and he was healed, and so he wasvery grateful and wanted to know about God. "

"H'm. I'm glad he was. I hope he will make your mother very happy afterthis. "

"He does. " The child lost her seriousness and laughed reminiscently. "Father and I have the _best_ times. Mothers says he's younger than Iam. "

"You miss him, eh?" Mr. Evringham half frowned into the fresh littleface. 

"Oh yes, I do, " with a sigh, "but it would be error to be sorry when Icould come to see you, grandpa. "

Mr. Evringham cogitated a minute on the probable loneliness of the lastthree days, and began to wonder what this philosophy could be whichgave practical help to a child of eight years. He was still holding theletter to Dr. Ballard in his hand. 

"I think I'll let you direct this yourself, Jewel, " he said. He rose andbrought the morocco cushion to his desk chair. "Sit up here and I willtell you the address. "

She obeyed, and Mr. Evringham watched the little fingers clenched aroundthe pen as she strove to resist its tendency to write down hill on theenvelope. 

"And you're quite sure that more money will be forthcoming when yours isgone, eh?" he asked when the feat was accomplished. 

"Oh yes; if I need it. "

"How will it come, for instance?"

She looked up quickly. "I don't need to know that, " she replied. 

Mr. Evringham bit his lip. "That's unanswerable, " he thought, "andrather neat. "

At this moment a knock sounded at the library door, and a momentafterward Mrs. Forbes presented herself. 

"Excuse me, Mr. Evringham. I'm afraid Julia has been in your way, staying so long. "

"No, Mrs. Forbes, thank you, " he returned. "She had a letter to write, and I have been reading. "

"Very well. It is her bedtime now. " The housekeeper's tone wasinexorable, and Jewel lifted her shoulders as she glanced up at hergrandfather, and again he found himself taken into a confidence whichexcluded his excellent housekeeper. "It is better for us to yield, " saidJewel's shoulders and mute lips. Before Mr. Evringham could suspect herintention, she had jumped up on the cushion nimbly as a squirrel, andhugging him in a business-like manner, kissed him twice. 

"Good-night, grandpa. "

"Good-night, Jewel, " he returned, going to the length of patting hershoulder. 

She jumped down and ran to Mrs. Forbes. "You needn't come with me, youknow, " she said, holding up her face. Mrs. Forbes hesitated a moment. She had not as yet recovered from this latest liberty taken with thehead of the house. 

"Let me feel of your hands, Julia. " She took them in hers and touchedthe child's cheeks and forehead as well. "You seem to feel all right, doyou?"

"Yes'm. "

"No soreness or pain anywhere?"

"No'm. Good-night, Mrs. Forbes. "

The housekeeper stooped from her height and accepted the offered kiss. 

"Do you prefer to go alone, Jewel? Isn't it lonely for you?" asked Mr. Evringham. 

"No--o, grandpa! Anna Belle is up there. "

"You're not afraid of the dark then?"

Jewel looked at the speaker, uncertain of his seriousness. He seemed inearnest, however. "The dark is easy to drive away in this house, " shereplied. "It is so interesting, just like a treatment. The room seemsfull of darkness, error, and I just turn the switch, " she illustratedwith thumb and finger in the air, "and suddenly--there isn't anydarkness! It's all bright and happy, just like me to-day!"

"Indeed!" returned Mr. Evringham, standing with his feet apart and hisarms folded. "Is that what the lady in Chicago did for you to-day?"

"Yes, grandpa, " Jewel nodded eagerly. She was so glad to have himunderstand. "She just turned the light, Truth, right into me. "

"She prayed to the Creator to cure you, you mean. "

Jewel looked off. "No, not that, " she answered slowly, searching forwords to make her meaning plain. "God doesn't have to be begged to doanything, because He can't change, He is always the same, and alwaysperfect, and always giving us everything good, and it's only for us--notto believe--in the things that seem to get in the way. I was believingthere was something in the way, and that lady knew there wasn't, andshe knew it so _well_ that the old dark fever couldn't stay. Nothing canstay that God doesn't make--not any longer than we let it cheat us. "

"And she was a thousand miles away, " remarked Mr. Evringham. 

"Why, grandpa, " returned Jewel, "there isn't any space in Spirit. " Shegave a little sigh. "I'm real sorry you're too big to be let into theChristian Science Sunday-School. "

Mrs. Forbes lips fell apart. 

"One moment more, Jewel, " said Mr. Evringham. "Mrs. Forbes was tellingme of the gentleman who spoke to you on the trolley car yesterday. "

"Oh yes, " returned the child, smiling at the pleasing memory. "TheChristian Scientist!"

"What makes you think he is a Christian Scientist?" asked Mr. Evringham. 

"I know he was. He had on the pin. " Jewel showed the one she wore, andher grandfather examined the little cross and crown curiously. 

"I wonder if it's possible, " he soliloquized aloud. 

"Oh yes, grandpa, he is one, and if he's a friend of yours he canexplain to you so much better than a little girl can. "

After the child had left the room Mr. Evringham and his housekeeperstood regarding one another. His usually unsmiling countenance wasrelaxed. Mrs. Forbes observed his novel expression, but did not suspectthat the light twinkling in his deep-set eyes was partly due to thesight of her own pent-up emotion. 

He hooked one thumb in his vest and balanced his eyeglasses in his otherhand. 

"Well, what do you think of her?" he inquired. 

"I think, sir, " returned the housekeeper emphatically, "that if anybodybought that child for a fool he wouldn't get his money's worth. "

"Even though she is a Scientist?" added Mr. Evringham, his mustachecurving in a smile. 

"She's too smart for me. I don't like children to be so smart. The ideaof her setting up to teach you Mr. Evringham!"

"That shouldn't be so surprising. I read a long time ago something aboutcertain things being concealed from the wise and prudent and revealedunto babes. "

"Babes!" repeated Mrs. Forbes. "We've been the babes. If that young onecan lie in bed with a fever, and wind every one of us around her fingerthe way she's done to-day, what can we expect when she's up and around?"

The broker laughed. "She's an Evringham, an Evringham!" he said. 

"You may laugh, sir, but what do you think of her wheedling me intosending Zeke up, and then getting him off on the sly with that telegram?I faced him down with it to-night, and Zeke isn't any good at fibbing. "

"I'll be hanged if I don't think it was a pretty good thing for me, "rejoined Mr. Evringham, "and money in my pocket. It looked as if I wasin for Ballard for a matter of weeks. "

"But the--the--the audacity of it!" protested Mrs. Forbes. "What do youthink she said after you and Dr. Ballard had done downstairs? I tried tobring her to a sense of what she'd done, and all she answered was thatshe had known that God would deliver her out of the snare of the fowler. Now I should like to ask you, Mr. Evringham, " added Mrs. Forbes in anaccess of outraged virtue, "which of us three do you think she calledthe fowler?"

"Give it up, I'm sure, " returned the broker; "but I can imagine that weseemed three pretty determined giants for one small girl to outwit. "

"She'd outwit a regiment, sir; and I don't see how you can permit it. "

Mr. Evringham endeavored to compose his countenance. "We must allow herreligious liberty, I suppose, Mrs. Forbes. It's a matter of religionwith her--that is, we must allow it as long as she keeps well. IfBallard had found her worse to-night, I assure you I should haveconsigned all Christian Scientists to the bottom of the sea, and thatlittle zealot would have taken her medicine from my own hand. All's wellthat ends well, eh?"

Mrs. Forbes had caught sight of the incongruous adornment of heremployer's desk. 

With majestic strides she advanced upon the yellow chicken and swept itinto her apron. "Julia must be taught not to litter your room, sir. "

"I beg your pardon, " returned the broker firmly, also advancing andholding out his hand. "That is my chicken. "

Slowly Mrs. Forbes restored the confiscated property, and Mr. Evringhamexamined it carefully to see that it was intact, and then set itcarefully on his desk. 

Mrs. Forbes recalled the confectioner's window. "She must have boughtthat chicken when my back was turned!" she thought. "That young onecould have given points to Napoleon. "

CHAPTER XV

A RAINY MORNING

The next morning it rained so heavily that Mr. Evringham was obliged toforego his ride. Wet weather was an unmixed ill to him. It not onlymade riding and golf miserable, but it reminded him that rheumatism wasgetting a grip on one of his shoulders. 

"It is disgusting, perfectly disgusting to grow old, " he muttered as hedescended the broad staircase. On the lower landing Jewel rose up outof the dusk, where she had been sitting near the beautiful clock. Herbright little face shone up at him like a sunbeam. 

"You didn't expect to see me, grandpa, did you?" she asked, and as itdid not even occur to him to stoop his head to her, she seized his handand kissed it as they went on down the stairs. 

"I was so disappointed because it rained so hard. I was going to see youride. "

"Yes. Beastly weather, " assented Mr. Evringham. 

"But the flowers and trees want a drink, don't they?"

"'M. I suppose so. "

"And the brook will be prettier than ever. "

"'M. See that you keep out of it. "

"Yes, I will, grandpa; and I thought the first thing this morning, I'llwear my rubbers all day. I was so afraid I might forget I put them righton to make sure. "

They had reached the hall, and Jewel exhibited her feet encased in theroomy storm rubbers. 

"Great Scott, child!" ejaculated Mr. Evringham, viewing the shinyovershoes. "What size are your feet?"

"I don't know, " returned the little girl, "but I only have to scuffsome, and then they'll stay on. Mrs. Forbes said I'd grow to them. "

"So you will, I should think, if you're going to wear them in the houseas well as out. " It was against Mr. Evringham's principles to smilebefore breakfast, at all events at any one except Essex Maid; but thelarge, shiny overshoes that looked like overgrown beetles, and Jewel'soptimistic determination to make him happy, even offset his painful arm. 

"The house doesn't leak anywhere, " he said. "I think it will be safe foryou to take them off until after breakfast. "

Jewel lifted her shoulders and looked up at him with the glance he knew. 

"Unless we're going out to the stable, " she said suggestively. 

He hesitated a moment. "Very well, " he returned. "Let us go to thestable. "

"But first we must tie the ribbons, " she said with a joyous chuckle. She would have skipped but for the rubbers. As it was, she proceededcircumspectly to the library, drawing the broker by the hand. "I wantyou to see, grandpa, if you don't think I made my parting real straightthis morning, " she said as she softly closed the door. 

"Gently on my arm, Jewel, " he remonstrated, wincing as she returned, flinging her energetic little body against him. "I have the rheumatismlike the devil--pardon me. "

She looked at him suddenly, wondering and wistful. "Oh, have you?" shereturned sympathetically. "But it is only like the devil, grandpa, " sheadded hopefully, "and you know there isn't any devil. "

"I can't discuss theology before breakfast, " he returned briefly. 

"Dear grandpa, you shan't have a single pain!" She held her head backand looked at him lovingly. 

"Very likely not, when I've begun playing the harp. Now where are thosecon--those ribbons?"

Jewel's eyes and lips grew suddenly serious and doubtful, and heobserved the change. 

"Yes, your hair ribbons, you know, " he added hastily and with an attemptat geniality. 

"Not if you don't like to, grandpa. "

"I love to, " he protested. "I've been looking forward to it all themorning. I thought 'never mind if I can't go riding, I can tie Jewel'shair ribbons. '"

The child laughed a little, even though her companion did not. "Ohgrandpa, you're such a joker, " she said; "just like father. "

But he saw that she doubted his mood, and the toe of one of theovershoes was boring into the carpet as she stood where she hadwithdrawn from him. 

"Let us see if you parted your hair better, " he said in a different andgentler tone, and instantly the flaxen head was bent before him, andJewel felt in her pocket for the ribbons. He had not the heart to saywhat he thought; namely, that her parting looked as though a saw hadbeen substituted for a comb. 

"Very well, very well, " he said kindly. 

When the ribbons were at last tied, the two proceeded to thedining-room. Here an open fire of logs furnished the cheerful light thatwas lacking outside. The morning paper hung over the back of a chair, warming before the blaze. 

Mrs. Forbes entered from the butler's pantry and looked surprised. "I didn't expect you down for half an hour yet, sir. Shall I hurrybreakfast?"

"No; I'm going to take Jewel to the stable. " Mr. Evringham stopped andtook a few lumps of sugar from the bowl. 

"Julia, where are your rubbers?" asked the housekeeper. 

"On, " said the child, lifting her foot. 

"I only hope they'll stay there, " remarked her grandfather. "I think, Mrs. Forbes, you must buy shoes as I've heard that Chinamen do, --thelargest they can get for the money. "

He disappeared with his happy little companion, and the housekeeperlooked after them disapprovingly. 

"They're both going out bareheaded, " she mused. "I'd like to bet--Iwould bet anything that she asked him to take her. He never even stoppedto look at the paper. He's just putty in her hands, that's what he is, putty; and she's been here three days. "

Mr. Evringham's apprehensions proved to have foundation. Halfway tothe barn Jewel stepped in a bit of sticky mud and left one rubber. Hercompanion did not stop to let her get it, but picking her up under hiswell arm, strode on to the barn, where they appeared to the astonishedZeke. 

Jewel was laughing in high glee. She was used to being caught up in astrong arm and run with. 

Mr. Evringham shook the drops from his head. "Get Jewel's rubber please, Zeke, " he said, pointing with his thumb over his shoulder. 

"I was Cinderella, " cried the child gayly. "That's my glass slipper outthere in the mud. "

Zeke would have liked to joke with her, but that was an impossibility inthe august presence. He cast a curious glance at the little girl ashe left the barn. He had received his mother's version of yesterday'sexperience. "Well, it looks to me as if there was somethingthose Christian Science folks know that the rest of us don't, " hesoliloquized. "I saw her with my own eyes, and felt her with my ownhands. Mother says children get up from anything twice as quick as grownfolks, but I don't know. "

"Don't you love a stable, grandpa?" exclaimed Jewel. "Oh, I'm too happyto scuff, " and she kicked off the other rubber. Even while she spokeEssex Maid looked around and whinnied at sight of her master. 

"She knows you, she knows you, " cried the little girl joyously, hoppingup and down. 

"Of course, " said Mr. Evringham, holding out his hand to the delightedchild and leading her into the stall. The mare rubbed her nose againsthim. "We couldn't get out this morning, eh, girl?" said the broker, caressing her neck, while Jewel smoothed the bright coat as high as shecould reach. Her grandfather lifted her in his arms. "Here, my maid, here's a new friend for you. In my pocket, Jewel. "

The child took out the lumps of sugar one by one, and Essex Maid atethem from the little hand, touching it gently with her velvet lips. Zekecame in and whistled softly as he glanced at the group in the stall. 

"Whew, " he mused. "He's letting her feed the Maid. I guess she can puther shoes in _his_ trunk all right. "

Mr. Evringham set Jewel on the mare's back and she smoothed the brightmane and patted the beautiful creature. 

"I'd like to gallop off now over the whole country, " she said, her faceglowing. 

"I shouldn't be surprised either if you could do it bareback, " returnedMr. Evringham; "but you must never come into either of the stallswithout me. You understand, do you?"

"Yes, grandpa. I'm glad you told me though, because I guess I shouldhave. " The child gave a quick, unconscious sigh. 

"Well we'd better go in now. "

"How kind you are to me, " said the child gratefully, as she slid off thehorse's back with her arms around her grandfather's neck. 

He had forgotten his rheumatic shoulder for the time. 

"You can bring those rubbers in later, " he said to Zeke, and so carriedJewel out of the barn, through the rain, and into the house. 

Mrs. Forbes watched the entrance. "Breakfast is served, sir, " she saidwith dignity. She thought her employer should have worn a hat. 

Jewel was not offered eggs this morning. Instead she had, after herfruit and oatmeal, a slice of ham and a baked potato. 

Her roses were fresh this morning and opening in the warmth of the fire, but Mr. Evringham's eyes were caught by a mass of American Beautieswhich stood in an alcove close to the window. 

"Where did those come from?" he demanded. 

"They belong to Miss Eloise, " replied Mrs. Forbes. "She asked me to takecare of them for her. "

"Humph! Ballard again, I suppose, " remarked the broker. 

"I hope so, " responded Mrs. Forbes devoutly. 

Mr. Evringham had spoken to himself, and he glanced up from his paper, surprised by the prompt fervor of the reply. The housekeeper lookednon-committal, but her meaning dawned upon him, and he smiled slightlyas he returned to the news of the day. 

"Dr. Ballard must love Cousin Eloise very much, " said Jewel, mashing herpotato. "He sent her a splendid box of candy, too. "

She addressed her remark to Mrs. Forbes, and in a low tone, in order notto disturb her grandfather's reading. 

"Any girl can get candy and flowers and love, if she's only prettyenough, " returned Mrs. Forbes; "but she mustn't forget to be pretty. "

The speaker's tone appealed to Jewel as signifying a grievance. Shelooked up. 

"Why, somebody married you, Mrs. Forbes, " she said kindly. 

Mr. Evringham's paper hid a face which suddenly contorted, but thehousekeeper's quick-glancing eyes could not see a telltale motion. 

She gave a hard little laugh. "You think there's hope for you then, doyou?" she returned. 

"I guess I'm not going to be married, " replied Jewel. "Father says I'mgoing to be his bachelor maid when I grow up. "

"Shouldn't wonder if you were, " said Mrs. Forbes dryly. 

The owner of the American Beauties and the beribboned bonbon box wastaking her coffee as usual in bed. This luxurious habit had never beenhers until she came to Bel-Air; but it was her mother's custom, andrather than undergo a tete-a-tete breakfast with her host, she hadadopted it. 

Now she had made her toilet deliberately. There was nothing to hurryfor. Her mother's voice came in detached sentences and questions fromthe next room. 

"Dear me, this rain is too trying, Eloise! Didn't you have someengagement with Dr. Ballard to-day?"

"He thought he could get off for some golf this afternoon. "

"What a disappointment for the dear fellow, " feelingly. "He has solittle time to himself!"

Eloise gave a most unsympathetic laugh. "More than he wishes he had, Ifancy, " she returned. 

She came finally in her white negligee into her mother's room. Mrs. Evringham was still in bed. Her eyeglasses were on and she regarded herdaughter critically as she came in sight. She had begun to look upon heras mistress of the fine old Ballard place on Mountain Avenue, andthe setting was very much to her mind. The girl sauntered over to thewindow, and taking a low seat, leaned her head against the woodwork, embowered in the lace curtains. 

"How it does come down!" said Mrs. Evringham fretfully. "And I lackjust a little of that lace braid, or I could finish your yoke. I supposeForbes would think it was a dreadful thing if I asked her to let Zekeget it for me. "

"Don't ask anything, " returned Eloise. 

"When you are in your own home!" sighed Mrs. Evringham. 

"Don't, mother. It's indecent!"

"If you would only reassure me, my child, so I wouldn't have to undergosuch moments of anxiety as I do. "

"Oh, you have no mercy!" exclaimed the girl; and when she used that toneher mother usually became tearful. She did now. 

"You act as if you weren't a perfect treasure, Eloise--as if I didn'tconsider you a treasure for a prince of the realm!"

A knock at the door heralded Sarah's arrival for the tray, and Mrs. Evringham hastily wiped her eyes. 

"Yes, you can take the things, " she said as the maid approached. "Ican't tip you as I should, Sarah. I'm going to get you something prettythe next time I go to New York. "

Sarah had heard this before. 

"And if you know of any one going to the village this morning, I want apiece of lace braid. Have you heard how Miss Julia is?"

"She was down at breakfast, ma'am, and Mr. Evringham had her out to thestable to see Essex Maid. "

"He did? In the rain? How very imprudent!"

After Sarah had departed with her burden, Mrs. Evringham took off hereyeglasses. 

"There, Eloise, you heard that? It's just as I thought. He is taking afancy to her. "

The girl smiled without turning her head. "Oh no, that wasn't yourprophecy, mother. You said she was too plain to have a chance with ourfastidious host. "

"Well, didn't she look forlorn last night at the dinner table?" demandedMrs. Evringham, a challenge in her voice. 

"Indeed she did, the poor baby. She looked exactly as if she had twofemale relatives in the house, neither of whom would lift a finger tohelp her, even though she was just off a sick bed. The same relativesdon't know this minute how or where she spent the evening. "

"I felt very glad she was content somewhere away from the drawing-room, "returned Mrs. Evringham practically. "You know we expected Dr. Ballardup to the moment the roses arrived, and from all I gathered at thedinner table, it would have been awkward enough for him to walk in uponthat child. Besides, I don't see why you use that tone with me. It hasbeen your own choice to let her paddle her own canoe, and you've had anobject lesson now that I hope you won't forget. You wouldn't believe mewhen I begged you to exert yourself for your grandfather, and now yousee even that plain little thing could get on with him just because shedared take him by storm. She has about everything in her disfavor. Thechild of a common working woman, with no beauty, and a little crank ofa Christian Scientist into the bargain, and yet now see! He took herout to the stable to see Essex Maid! I never knew you contradictory anddisagreeable until lately, Eloise. You even act like a stick with Dr. Ballard just to be perverse. " Mrs. Evringham flounced over in bed, withher back to the white negligee. 

Eloise had seen what she had been watching for. Her grandfather haddriven away to the station, so she arose and came over to the foot ofthe bed. 

"I know I'm irritable, mother, " she said repentantly. "The idleness anduselessness of my life have grated on me until I know I'm not fit tolive with. If I had had any of the training of a society girl, I couldbear it better; but papa kept my head full of school, --for which I blesshim, --and now that the dream of college is hopeless, and that theonly profession you wish for me is marriage, I dread to wake up in themornings. "

The young voice was unsteady. 

Mrs. Evringham heaved a long sigh. "Give me patience!" she murmured, then added mentally, "It can't be many days, and she won't refuse him. "

"Go down to the piano and play yourself good-natured, " she returned. "Then come up and we'll go on with that charming story. It quiterefreshed me to read of that coming-out ball. It was so like my own. "

Eloise, her lips set in a sad curve, rose and left the room. Once in thehall, she paused for a minute. Then instead of descending the stairs, she ran noiselessly up the next flight. The rain was pelting steadilyon the dome of golden glass through which light fell to the halls. Shestole, as she had done yesterday, to the door of Jewel's room. 

Again as yesterday she heard a voice, but this time it was singing. Thetones were very sweet, surprisingly strong and firm to proceed from lipswhich always spoke so gently. The door was not quite closed, and Eloisepressed her ear to the crack. Thus she could easily hear the words ofJewel's song:--

 "And o'er the earth's troubled, angry sea I see Christ walk; And come to me, and tenderly, Divinely, talk. "

The hymn stopped for a minute, and the child appeared to be conversingwith some one. 

Eloise waited, openly, eagerly listening, hoping the singer wouldresume. Something in those unexpected words in the sweet child voicestirred her. Presently Jewel sang on:--

 "From tired joy, and grief afar, And nearer Thee, Father, where Thine own children are I love to be!"

The lump that rose in the listener's throat forced a moisture into hereyes. 

"I never could hear a child sing without crying, " she said to herself inexcuse, as she leaned her forehead on her hand against the jamb of thedoor and waited for the strange stir at her heart to quiet. 

The house was still. The rain swept against the panes, and tears stolefrom under the girl's long lashes--tears for her empty, vapid life, forthe hopelessness of the future, for the humiliations of the present, forthe lack of a love that should be without self-interest. 

"I like that verse, Anna Belle, " said the voice within. "Let's sing thatagain, " and the hymn welled forth:--

 "From tired joy, and grief afar, And nearer Thee, Father, where Thine own children are I love to be!"

"Is there a haven?" thought the swelling, listening heart outside. "Isthere a place far alike from tired joy and grief?"

"'Father, where Thine own children are, '" quoted Jewel. "We know wherea lot of them are, don't we, Anna Belle, and we do love to be withthem. " A pause, and a light sigh, which did not reach the listener. "Butwe're at grandpa's now, " finished the child's voice. 

Eloise's breaths came long and deep drawn, and she stood motionless, hereyes hidden. 

CHAPTER XVI

THE FIRST LESSON

Jewel looked up as she heard a knock. Sarah had made the bed and gone. Who could this be?

At her "Come in, " Eloise entered the room. The child's face brightenedquestioningly. She rose and gazed at the enchanted maiden, very lovelyin the wrapper of white silk, open at the throat, and with littlebillows of lace cascading down to the toes of her white Turkishslippers. 

"Good-morning, cousin Eloise, " said the child, waiting for the messageor order which she supposed to be forthcoming. 

"Good-morning. " The girl cast a comprehensive glance around the ratherbare room. Her eyes bore no traces of the tears so recently shed, buther face was sad. "I heard you singing, " she said. 

"Yes. Did I disturb anybody?" asked the child quickly. 

"No. It is nice to be like the birds that sing in the rain. "

"Like the robin out there, " returned Jewel, relieved. "Did you hearhim?" She ran to the window and threw it open, listening a minute. "No, he has gone. "

"You said you would show me your doll, " went on Eloise when the windowwas closed again. 

"Oh, " returned Jewel pleased, "did you come to see Anna Belle? She'sright here. We were just going to have the lesson. " She took the dollfrom the depths of a big chair and held her up with motherly pride. "Would you--won't you sit down a minute?"

To her great satisfaction, her beautiful visitor condescended to takethe chair Anna Belle had vacated, and held out her white, ringless handsfor the doll. 

"How neatly her clothes are made, " said the girl, examining Anna Belle'sgarments. 

"Yes, my mother made her all new ones when she knew she was going toEurope, so that she would be neat and not mortify me. Would you like tosee her clothes?" eagerly. 

"Yes, I should. "

Jewel brought them, her quick little fingers turning them back andforth, exhibiting the tiny buttonholes and buttons, and chatteringexplanations of their good points. 

"It was a great deal for your mother to do all this, when she is such abusy woman, " said Eloise. 

"Yes, she did it evenings, and then surprised me just when we werecoming away. Wasn't it lovely?"

"Very. "

"I love prettiness, " said the child. As she spoke she regarded the graveface beside her. "When I first noticed that my nose wasn't nice, andneither were my eyes, I almost cried. "

Eloise looked up at her, at a loss for a reply. 

"But then I remembered that of course God never made anything thatwasn't perfectly beautiful, so I knew that it would come right sometime, and I asked mother when she thought it would. "

"What did she say?" returned Eloise, wondering at this originaloptimism. 

"She said we could never tell how soon anything would come right to oursense, but so long as we knew that Creation was perfect and beautiful, we could be patient about everything--big things and little things; andthen I remember how she talked to me about being careful never to pitymyself. " Jewel gave her head a little serious shake. "You know it's verybad error to pity yourself, no matter what kind of a nose you have. "

Eloise had sunk back in the large chair and was attentively watchingthe child standing beside her, while she still held Anna Belle. She hadnever before held converse with a Christian Scientist, but her state ofmind precluded the perception of a humorous side to anything. 

"Wrong to pity yourself no matter what happens?" she asked. 

"Yes--because--because--" Jewel looked off. She knew that it was error, but it was hard to explain why to the lovely grown-up cousin who was sostrangely sorry. "Well, you see, " she added after the moment's thought, "it isn't having faith in God, it isn't knowing that you're His child, and that He takes care of you. "

"No, I suppose not; but I have never learned how to know that, Jewel. "

"I know you haven't, " returned the little girl, and she slipped her handtoward her cousin's. The girl met it halfway and held it close. "SinceI've seen you, " Jewel went on slowly, "I know that prettiness isn'tenough to make a person happy--nor all your lovely clothes--nor havingpeople fond of you and sending you presents--nor making the sweetestmusic; but you can be happy, cousin Eloise, unless you're doing wrong. "

"I am doing wrong, but I can't help it. " The girl took her supportinghand from the doll and pressed it to her eyes a second before droppingit. "What were you doing when I came in?"

"I was just going to get the lesson. "

"Oh, do you go on with your studies? Perhaps I can help you better thanAnna Belle. "

"Would you cousin Eloise?" Jewel flushed with pleasure. "Some of thewords are so long. I thought I'd ask grandpa to-night. "

"Why didn't you wish to come to me?" questioned Eloise, well knowingwhy. 

The little girl looked a trifle embarrassed. "I didn't want to troubleyou. Of course you aren't my real relations, " she said modestly. 

"Do you remember that, too!" exclaimed Eloise. 

Jewel started at the hurt voice. "Would you like to be?" she askedearnestly. "I wish you were, because"--she hesitated and smiled with herhead a little on the side, "because I might look more like you. "

The gravity of Eloise's lips remained unbroken. "I want you to promiseme something, Jewel. I want you to promise not to tell your grandfatherthat I have been with you to-day. "

"Why? He'd be glad I was happy. "

"I have a reason. I will help you with your studies every day if youwon't tell him. "

"I might without meaning to, " rejoined the child, her alert little mindbusy with the new problem suddenly presented to it. 

"I will make a rainbow scarf for Anna Belle if you will never speak ofme to your grandfather. "

"Why do you say my grandfather? He's yours, too. "

"Not at all. Didn't you just say I was not your real relation?"

"Oh but, cousin Eloise, " Jewel was sure of the hurt now, though the whyor wherefore was a mystery, "of course he wishes you were. "

"Oh no he doesn't. " The answer came quick and sharp, and the childreviewed mentally her own observations of the household. Her heartswelled with the desire to help. 

"Now, cousin Eloise, " her breath came a little faster with the throngingthoughts for which her vocabulary was insufficient, "error does tryto cheat people so. Just think how kind you were inside all the time, though you wouldn't smile at me. You're willing to make Anna Belle ascarf. I called you the enchanted maiden, because you were too sorryto try to make people happy, and now grandpa's just like that; he'senchanted, too, if he doesn't make you happy, because he's just as_kind_ inside, oh, just as _kind_ as he can be. "

"He likes you, " returned Eloise. 

Jewel regarded her for a silent moment. "I noticed when I came, " shesaid at last, apologetically, "that nobody here seemed to love oneanother; and the house was so grand and the people were so beautifulthat I couldn't understand; and I called it Castle Discord. "

Eloise gave a little exclamation. "I call it the icebox, " she returned. 

Jewel's face lighted. "That's it, that's all it is, " she said eagerly. "It's easy to melt ice. Love melts everything. "

"It's pretty slow work sometimes, " said Eloise. 

"Then you have to put on more love. That's all. Have you"--the childasked the question a little timidly, "have you put on much love tograndpa?"

"Why should I love him?" asked Eloise. "He doesn't love me. "

"Oh dear, " said Jewel. After a minute's thought her face brightened. "Iguess I'll show you my dotted letter. "

She ran to the closet where hung her dotted challie dress and took fromthe pocket the message that had come to her the evening of her arrival. "My mother put a letter into all my pockets for a happy surprise; andthis one came the first night, when I was feeling all sorry and alone, and it comforted me. Perhaps it will comfort you. "

She put the paper into the girl's hand, and Eloise read it. She turnedit over and read it a second time. 

Jewel stood beside her chair watching, and seeing that her cousin seemedinterested, she ran and brought her little wrapper. "Perhaps you'd liketo see this one too, " she said feeling in the pocket for the secondmessage. 

Eloise accepted and read it. Every word of the two notes came to themind of the young girl as suggestions from another planet, so foreignwere they to any instruction or advice that had ever fallen to her lot. 

She gave a slight exclamation as she finished. "Is your mother a saint?"she asked, looking up suddenly. 

"No, " returned Jewel innocently. "She's a Christian Scientist. "

Eloise suddenly put out her hand, and drawing Jewel to her, hid herforehead on the child's breast. 

"I wish you were older, " she said. 

Jewel put her little hands on the shining waves of hair she had admiredfrom afar. "I wish my mother was here, " she answered. "Did you likethose things mother said?"

"Oh yes; but they're from heaven, and I'm in the other place, " repliedEloise disconsolately. 

"Then let's look in another pocket!" exclaimed Jewel. "I'll look in mybest dress. Perhaps she'd put the best one there. "

The girl lifted her head, and the child went eagerly to the closet, coming back with a folded paper. "We'll read it together. You read itout loud, and I'll look over your shoulder. "

The rain slanted against the window in gusts as the two heads bent abovethe paper. Eloise read:--

"Mother is thinking of you, little daughter, every day and every night, and the thing she hopes the most is, that you never let the day goby without studying the lesson. The words may be hard sometimes, butperhaps some one will read it with you, and if they do not, then you goon trying your best, and you will learn more and more all the time; fortruth will shine into your thought and help you. Grandpa will giveyou plenty of bread and butter, but you must remember that Spirit, not matter, satisfieth. You would starve without the Bible and thetext-book, and very soon the joy would go out of everything. Give mylove to Anna Belle, and tell her not to go out to play any day until youhave read the lesson. "

"Your mother speaks as if you learned Christian Science out of theBible, " said Eloise. 

"Of course, " returned Jewel. 

"I thought a woman got it up, " said the girl. "I thought your churchworshipped her. "

The child smiled at the phrase. "You know Christ was the first one. That's why we call ourselves that. We couldn't be Christian Scientistsif we worshipped any one but God, " she answered. "Of course we love Mrs. Eddy. Just think how good and unselfish a person has to be before theycan hear God's teaching. He showed her how to remind people of thethings that Christ taught, and how to get rid of their sins andsickness. We love her dearly for helping people so much, and shouldn'tyou think everybody would? But they don't. Some people think hatingthoughts about her, just as if she was teaching bad things instead ofgood ones. Mother says it reminds her of what the Saviour said, 'Forwhich of these works do ye stone me?'"

"Ah, but you see, " returned Eloise, "Christian Scientists let people diesometimes without a doctor. "

"But lots of people they do cure are the ones doctors said would have todie. "

"I know they claim that. "

"And such a lot of people pass on while doctors are taking care of themI wonder why it makes everybody so angry when a Scientist goes withoutany. "

Eloise smiled faintly as she shook her head. "It is more respectable todie with a doctor at your side, " she returned. 

"Are you really willing to help me with the lesson, cousin Eloise? Ifyou are, it would be nice if you would get your Bible too. "

The girl looked embarrassed. "I haven't any. "

"Well, your mother's would do just as well, " said Jewel politely. 

"She hasn't any--here, I'm sure. "

The little girl stood very still a moment. "No wonder they're sorry, "she thought. 

"All right. We can both look over one, " she answered, and going to thedresser she brought her books. 

"Was this the study you meant?" asked Eloise, looking at the three bookscuriously. "I thought I was offering to help you with something I knewabout. I used to learn verses out of the Bible when I was a little girlin Sunday-school. I don't know anything about it now. "

"But you can read everything, the big words and all, " replied Jewel. "Iwish I could. "

Eloise saw that this reply was designed to minister to her self-respect. She took up the small black book lying with the Bible. "What is this?"

"That is 'Science and Health, ' that Mrs. Eddy wrote to explain to uswhat the Bible means; and this other one is to tell us where to pick outthe places for the day's lesson. " Jewel pulled up a chair, and seatingherself, turned over the leaves of the Quarterly briskly until she foundthe right date. 

"Please find Zechariah, cousin Eloise. "

"What's that?" asked the girl helplessly. 

"It's in the Old Testament. Would you rather I'd find them? All right, then you can take 'Science and Health' and find that part. "

"I hope it's easy, for I'm awfully stupid, Jewel. "

"Oh, it's very easy. You'll see. " The child found the chapter and versein the Bible and read, with her finger on the line. Eloise looked overand read with her. Thus they went through all the verses for the day, then Jewel began to give the page and line to be read in the text-book. 

This volume was small and agreeable to handle, the India paper pleasantto the girl's dainty touch. According to the child's request, she readaloud the lines which were called for. 

"That's all, " said Jewel at last. "Oh cousin Eloise, it's just lovelyand easy to get the lesson with you, " she added gratefully. 

Eloise made no response. Her eye had been caught by a statement on thepage before her, and she read on in silence. 

Jewel waited a minute and then, seeing that her cousin was absorbed, shelaid down the Quarterly and took up her doll and sat still, watching thepretty profile, undisturbed by doubts as to what her cousin might thinkof the book she held, and full of utter confidence that He who healethall our diseases would minister to her through its pages. 

At last Eloise again became conscious of her surroundings. She turned toher companion, a skeptical comment on her lips, but she suppressedthe words at sight of the innocent, expectant face. She certainly hadnothing to give this child better than what she already possessed. 

"You can read it any time when you feel sorry, cousin Eloise, that andmy Bible too. Mother always does. "

"Does she ever feel sorry?"

"Sometimes; but it can't last where the Bible is. "

"I never saw that the Bible had anything to do with us, " said Eloise. 

"Why--ee!" Jewel suddenly dropped Anna Belle and again took up theBible. 

"What do you think I opened to?" holding the verse with her finger asshe looked up. Then she read, "'If ye love them that love you what thankhave ye?' Now isn't that something to do with you and grandpa?"

"I don't see how I can love people who don't choose to be lovable, "returned Eloise. "What's the use of pretending?"

"But then, " said the child, "the trouble is that everything that isn'tlove is hate. "

Her visitor raised her eyebrows. "Ah! I should have to think aboutthat, " she returned. 

"Yes, you'd better, " agreed Jewel. Then she turned to the Psalms andread the ninety-first. 

When she had finished she looked up at her cousin, an earnestquestioning in her eyes. 

"That is very beautiful, " said Eloise. "I never heard it before. Howwell you read it, Jewel. "

"Yes, " replied the child. "It's so much easier to read things when youknow them by heart. " Then she turned to the Twenty-third Psalm and readit. 

"Yes, I've heard that one. It's beautiful of course, but I never thoughtof its having anything to do with us. " Eloise was watching her cousincuriously. It seemed too strange for belief that a healthy child of herage should be taking a vital interest in the Bible and endeavoring toprove a position from its pages. 

When the girl finally rose to go she turned at the door:--

"Remember your promise not to tell grandfather about this morning, " shesaid. 

Jewel, hovering about her, looked troubled. 

"Would you just as lief tell me why?" she asked. 

Eloise gave the ghost of a smile. "It would be a long story, and Iscarcely think you would understand. "

"I think I could obey you better if you would tell me. "

"Very well. We, my mother and I, are not Mr. Evringham's realrelations, --to put it as you do, --and we have come here because my poorfather lost his money and we have nowhere else to go. We came withoutbeing invited, and it hurts to have to stay where we are not wanted. Idon't wish grandfather to think that I am being kind to you, for fear hewill believe that I am doing it to make him like me better and because Iwant to stay here. "

The girl spoke slowly and with great clearness. 

Jewel looked at her, speechless with surprise and perplexity. 

Eloise went on: "I don't want to stay here, you understand. I wish to goaway. I would go to-day if my mother were willing. "

Her large eyes grew dark as she closed, and the child received a senseof the turbulence that underlay her words. 

"Thank you for explaining, " she returned in an awed tone. "I wish mymother was here; but God is, and He'll take care of you, cousin Eloise. Mother says we don't ever need to stay in the shadow. There's always thesunshine, only we must do our part, we must come into it. "

"How Jewel? Supposing you don't know how. "

"You can learn how, " replied the child earnestly, "right in those books. Lots of sorry people grow glad studying them. "

CHAPTER XVII

JEWEL'S CORRESPONDENCE

While Jewel still stood turning over in her mind what she had heard, charming strains of music began coming up through the hall. CousinEloise had gone to the piano. 

"I almost which I hadn't made her tell me, " thought the child, "for howcan I help grandpa not to be sorry they are here? Wouldn't I be sorryto have aunt Madge come and live with me when I never asked her to?"She stood for some minutes wrestling with the problem, but suddenly herexpression changed. "I was forgetting!" she exclaimed. "I mustn't getsorry too. God is All. Mortal mind can't do anything about it. " Sheclosed her eyes, and pressing her hand to her lips, stood for a minutein mute realization; then with a smile of relief, she took up AnnaBelle. 

"Let's go down, dearie, and hear the music, " she said light heartedly. 

When the summons to luncheon sounded and Mrs. Evringham entered theparlor, she found the child curled up in a big chair, her doll in herlap, listening absorbedly to the last strains of a Chopin Ballade. 

"Do you like music, Julia?" she asked patronizingly, as her daughterfinished and turned about. 

"The child's name is Jewel, " said Eloise. 

"Yes, aunt Madge, I love it, " replied the little girl; "and I didn'tknow people could play the piano the way cousin Eloise does. "

Mrs. Evringham smiled. "I suppose you've not heard much good music. "

"Yes'm, I've heard our organist in church. "

"And Jewel can make good music herself, " said Eloise. "She can sing likea little lark. I've been up in her room this morning. "

Mrs. Evringham welcomed the look on her daughter's face as she made thestatement. "Thank fortune Eloise has played herself into good humor, "she thought. 

"Indeed? I must hear her sing some time. You're playing unusually wellthis morning, my dear. I wish Dr. Ballard could have heard you. Come toluncheon. "

The three repaired to the dining-room, where Mrs. Forbes's glanceimmediately noted the presence of Anna Belle. She took her from Jewel'sarms and placed her on a remote corner of the sideboard, in the middleof which glowed the American Beauty roses. 

Mrs. Evringham approached them with solicitude. 

"They're looking finely, Mrs. Forbes, " she said suavely. "You surelyunderstand the care of roses. " She lifted the silver scissors that hungfrom her chatelaine and succeeded in severing one of the long stems. 

"Here, little girl, " she added, advancing to Eloise, "you need this inyour white gown to cheer us up this rainy day. "

The girl shrank and opened her lips to decline, but restrained herselfand submitted to have the flower pinned amid her laces. 

Jewel gazed at her in open admiration. The glowing color lent awonderful touch to the girl's beauty. Mrs. Evringham laughed low at thefascinated look in the plain little face, and luncheon began. 

To Jewel it differed much from the ones that had preceded it. Mrs. Forbes might hover like a large black cloud, aunt Madge might railat the weather which cut her off from her afternoon drive, but themorning's experience seemed to have put the child into new relationswith all, and Eloise often gave her a friendly glance or smile as themeal progressed. 

It was destined to a surprising interruption. In the midst of thediscussion of lamb chops and Saratoga chips the door opened, and inwalked Dr. Ballard. The shoulders of his becoming raincoat were spangledwith drops, his hat was in his hand, a deprecatory smile brightened hisface. 

"Forgive me, won't you?" he said as he advanced to Mrs. Evringham andclasped the outstretched hand which eagerly welcomed him. "It was my oneleisure half hour to-day. "

He brought the freshness of the spring air with him, and he went onaround the table shaking hands with the others, and finally drew up achair beside Jewel. 

"No, I can't eat anything, " he declared in response to the urging ofMrs. Evringham and the housekeeper. "Can't stay long enough for that. "

His eyes fastened on the graceful girl opposite him, who was tryingto offset her blushes by a direct and nonchalant gaze. The rose on herbreast seemed to be scorching her cheeks. She knew that her mother wasexulting in the lucky inspiration which had made her set it there. 

"How good of you to come and cheer us!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringham. "Dotake off your coat and stay for a cosy hour. We will have some music. "

"Don't tempt me. I have an office hour awaiting me. I came principallyto see this little girl. "

Jewel had leaned back in her chair and was watching his bright faceexpectantly. 

"I'm glad of it, " rejoined Mrs. Evringham devoutly. "I distrust thesesudden recoveries, Dr. Ballard. Do make very sure that she hasn't one ofthose lingering, treacherous fevers. I've heard of such things. "

Dr. Ballard's eyes laughed into those of his little neighbor. "Shedoesn't look the part, " he returned. 

Jewel gave a glance around the table. "Will you excuse me?" she saidpolitely, then she reached up to the doctor's ear. 

"Shall I go and get my money?" she whispered. 

He shook his head. "No, " he replied in a low tone. "I came to thank youvery much for your note, and to tell you that you don't owe me anything. I'm not usually a 'no cure, no pay' doctor. I take the money anyway, butthis time I'm going to make an exception. "

"Why?" asked Jewel, speaking aloud as long as he did. 

"Well, you see, you didn't take the medicine. That makes a difference. Most people take it. "

"Ye--es, " rejoined Jewel rather doubtfully. She was not sure of thislogic. 

"So now we're perfectly square, " went on the doctor, "but don't you fallill again. " He shook his head at her. "I want us to remain friends. "

"We'd always be friends, wouldn't we?" returned Jewel, smiling into hislaughing eyes. 

"When is our golf coming off, Miss Eloise?" he asked, looking across thetable again. 

"When the weather permits, " she responded graciously. 

"I guess that's going to be all right, " commented Mrs. Forbes mentally. "She's as pretty as a painting with that rose on, and her mother looksas contented as a cat with her paw on a mouse. She don't mean to playwith that mouse, either. She won't run any risks. She'll take it rightin. You're pretty near done for, my young feller, and your eyes lookwilling, I must say. "

The spring rain proved to be a protracted storm. Mr. Evringham made hishours long in the city. Eloise came up to Jewel's room each morningand read the lesson with her, always reading on to herself after it wasfinished. She made the child tell her of the circumstances of her recentillness and cure, and listened to Jewel's affectionate comments on Dr. Ballard's kindness with an inscrutable expression which did not satisfythe child. 

"You love him, don't you?" asked the little girl. 

Eloise gave a slight smile. "If everything that isn't love is hate, Isuppose I ought to, " she returned. 

"Yes, indeed, " agreed Jewel; "and he has been so kind to you I don't seehow you can help it. "

The girl sighed. "Don't grow up, Jewel, " she said. "It makes lots oftrouble. "

On the second one of her visits to the child's room she put her handon the flaxen head. "I'd like to fix your hair, " she said. "Mrs. Forbesdoesn't part it nicely. "

"I do it myself, " returned Jewel; "but I'd be glad to have you. "

So Eloise washed the thick flaxen locks and dried them. Then she partedand brushed the hair, and when it was finally tied, Jewel regarded thereflection of her smooth head with satisfaction. 

"It looks just the way mother makes it, " she said. "I'm going to writeto mother and father to-night, and I'm going to tell them how kind youare to me. "

That evening, in Mr. Evringham's library, Jewel wrote the letter. 

Her grandfather, after making some extremely uncomplimentary commentsupon the weather, had lowered his green-shaded electric light andestablished himself beneath it with his book. 

He looked across at the child, who was situated as before at the table, her crossed feet, in their spring-heeled shoes, dangling beneath. 

"May I smoke, Jewel?" he asked, as he took a cigar from the case. Heasked the question humorously, but the reply was serious. 

"Oh yes, grandpa, of course; this is your room; but you know nobodylikes tobacco naturally except a worm. "

Mr. Evringham's deep-set eyes widened. "Is it possible? Well, we're allworms. "

Jewel smiled fondly at him, her head a little on one side, in itscharacteristic attitude. 

"You're such a joker, " she returned. 

"If you really dislike smoke, " said the broker after a minute, "perhapsyou'd better take your letter up to your room. "

"I don't mind it, " she returned. "Father used to smoke. It's only alittle while since it gave him up. "

"You mean since he gave it up. "

"No. When people study Christian Science, the error habits that theyhave just go away. "

"Indeed? I'm glad you warned me. " Mr. Evringham blew a delicate ring ofsmoke toward the table, but Jewel had begun to think of her parents, andher pencil was moving. Her grandfather noted the trim appearance of thebowed head. 

"I don't know but I was cut out for a man milliner after all, " he musedcomplacently. "Those bows have really a very chic appearance. "

His book interested him, and he soon became absorbed in its pages. Jeweloccasionally coming to an orthographic problem looked up and waited, buthe did not observe her, so she patiently kept silence and resumed herwork. At last the letter was finished. 

She looked again at her grandfather, and opened her cramped little handwith relief. The back of her neck was tired with her bending posture. She leaned back in the heavy chair to rest it while she waited. Theeyelids, grown heavy with her labors, wavered and winked. The raindripped down the panes, as if it had fallen into a monotonous habit. Thesound was soothing. Jewel fell asleep. 

When finally Mr. Evringham glanced at her he smiled. "Littlethoroughbred, " he mused; "she'd never disturb me. " He rose and crossedto the child. There lay the finished letter. He took it up with someanticipation:--

DEAR MOTHER AND FATHER----It is most time to get a leter from you but Iwill not wait to tell you I am happy and well. 

Grandpa is the kindest man and he has the most Beautiful horse, her nameis Essecks made. He let me sit on her back and give her Sugar. CosinElloees is the prettiest one of all. She has things that make her sorrybut she is very kind to me. She washed my hare today and she helps meget the lesson. There is a docter here he is lovly. He tried to cure mewhen I had a claim but Mrs. Lewis did. Cosin Elloees reads S. And H whenwe get throo the lesson and I think she will be glad Pretty soon andnot afrade Grandpa doesn't want her and Ant maj. She won't let me tellgrandpa she is kind to me, but I can Explane beter when you come home. 

Grandpa's kindness is inside, and he Looks sorry but noboddy cood helploving him. I love you both every minnit and the leters in my pockethelp me so much. 

Your dear

JEWEL. 

Mr. Evringham had scarcely finished reading this epistle when Jewel'shead slipped on the polished woodwork against which she was leaning andbumped against the side of the chair with a jar which awoke her. 

Seeing her grandfather standing near she smiled drowsily. "I fellasleep, didn't I?" she said, and rubbed her eyes; then noting the sheetof paper in Mr. Evringham's hand, memory returned to her. She sat upwith a start. 

"Oh, grandpa, you haven't read my letter!" she exclaimed, with anaccent of dismay which brought the blood to the broker's face. He felt aculprit before the shocked blue eyes. 

"To--to see if it was spelled right, you know, " he said. "You had me doit before. "

"Yes, I wanted you to then, " returned the child; "but it is error toread people's letters unless they ask you to, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's confoundedly bad form, Jewel. I beg your pardon. You didn'tmean me to see those sweet things you said about me, eh?"

"That was no matter. It was cousin Eloise's secret. She trusted me. " Thechild's eyes filled with tears. 

The broker cleared his throat. "No harm done, I'm sure. No harm done, "he returned brusquely, to cover his discomfiture. For the first time hemade an advance toward his granddaughter. "Come here a minute, Jewel. "He took her hand and led her to his chair, and seating himself, lifted her into his lap. The corners of her lips were drawing downinvoluntarily, and as her head fell against his broad shoulder, he tookout his handkerchief and dried her eyes. "I hope you'll forgive me, " hesaid. "After this I will always wait for your permission. Now what isthis about cousin Eloise?"

Jewel shook her head, not trusting herself to speak. 

"You can't tell me?"

"No. "

"Then don't you think perhaps it was a good thing I read your letterafter all, if it is something I ought to know?"

The speaker was not so interested to discover the secrets of hisbeautiful guest as to set himself right with this admirer. He did notrelish falling from his pedestal. 

"Do you think perhaps Divine Love made you do it, grandpa?" asked thechild tremulously, with returning hope. 

Mr. Evringham was quite certain that it had been curiosity, but he waswilling to accept a higher sounding hypothesis. 

"Mother explained to me about God making 'the wrath of man to praiseHim, '" added Jewel after the moment's pause. "If it makes you kind tocousin Eloise, perhaps we can be glad you read it. "

"What is the matter with Eloise?" asked Mr. Evringham. 

Jewel sat up, fixed him with her eyes, pressed her lips together, andshook her head. 

"You won't tell me?"

The head went on firmly shaking. 

"Then let me read the letter again. "

"No, grandpa, " decidedly. 

He kept one arm around her as he smoothed his mustache. "Is theresomething you think I ought to do?"

A light seemed to illumine the eyes that the little girl kept fixed onhis, but she did not speak. 

"Do you think it discourteous for me to spend my evenings away fromthose two? They don't want me, child. "

Still she did not speak. Mr. Evringham was divided between a desire toshake her and the wish to see the familiar fondness return to her face. 

"You wrote that Eloise thinks I do not want her and her mother here. Herintelligence is of a higher order than I feared. Well, what can be doneabout it? I've been asking myself that for some time. How would it do tosettle some money upon them and then say good-by?"

"If you did it with love, " suggested Jewel. 

"It's my impression that they could dispense with the love under thosecircumstances. " The broker gave a slight smile. 

The child put an impulsive little hand on his shoulder. "No indeed, grandpa. Nobody can do without love. It hurts cousin Eloise because sheisn't your real relation. She doesn't know how kind you are inside. " Thechild's lips closed suddenly. 

"She fixed your hair very nicely, " Mr. Evringham viewed the flaxen headcritically. "That's one thing in her favor. "

"She's full of things in her favor, " returned Jewel warmly. "Error'susing you, grandpa, not to love her. If we don't love people we can't besure anything we do to them is right. "

Mr. Evringham raised one hand and scratched his head slowly, regardingJewel with what she felt was intended to be a humorous air. 

"Couldn't you give me an easier one?" he asked. 

"Oh grandpa, " the flaxen head nestled against his breast and the childsighed. "I wish everybody knew how kind you are, " and the broker pattedher shoulder and enjoyed the clinging pressure of her cheek, for itassured him that again he stood firmly on the pedestal. 

CHAPTER XVIII

ESSEX MAID

The rain and wind lasted for three days, clearing at last on an eveningwhich proved eventful. 

Mr. Evringham had taken a long ride into the country roundabout, andJewel had been down at the gate to greet his return. He swung her upinto the saddle with him, and in triumph she rode to the barn. 

Mrs. Evringham observed this from the window and reported to Eloise. 

"I didn't suppose father would be so indulgent to any living thing ashe is to that child, " she said rather dejectedly. "Do you know, Eloise, Mrs. Forbes says that Jewel spends every evening with him in his study. "

"Indeed? I'm not surprised. He had to take pity on her since we wouldnot. "

Mrs. Evringham sighed. "I really believe nobody was ever so exasperatingas you are, " she returned. "When Jewel first came, if you remember, Iwished to welcome her, --in fact I did, --but you refused to be decentlycivil. Now you speak as if we had made a mistake, and that it was myfault. I wish you would let Dr. Ballard prescribe for you. I don't thinkyou are well. "

"He does prescribe roses and chocolates, and I take them, don't I?"

"Yes, and after this you can have some golf. It will do you good. "

To-day was the third during which Eloise had helped her cousin withthe morning lesson and brushed and braided her hair. Jewel had had manyminds about whether to tell Eloise of her escaped secret. An intuitionbade her refrain, but the sense of dishonesty was more than thechild could bear; so that morning, during the hair braiding, she hadconfessed. She began thus:--

"I wrote to my father and mother last night how good you were to me. "

"Did you tell them how good you were to me?" asked the girl, so kindlythat the child's heart leaped within her and she more than ever wishedthat she had nothing to confess. 

"I wish I could be, cousin Eloise; I meant to be, but error crept in. "The girl was learning something of the new phraseology, and she smiledat Jewel in the glass and was surprised to find what troubled eyes methers. "I went to sleep that night waiting for grandpa to be through withhis book, and when I waked up he had read my letter. "

Eloise's smile faded. "Tell me again what you said in it, " she returned. 

Jewel's lips quivered. "I said how kind you were, and washed my hair, and asked me not to tell grandpa--"

"You put that in?" Eloise interrupted eagerly. 

The child took courage from her changed tone. "Yes; I said you didn'twant him to know you were kind to me. "

The girl smiled slightly and went on with her brushing. 

"He wished he hadn't read it when he saw how sorry I was. He asked mypardon and said he had done bad form. I don't know what that is. "

"It's the worst thing that can happen to some people, " returned Eloise. "Good form is said to be the New York conscience. "

"Oh, " responded Jewel, not understanding, but too relieved and gratefulthat her cousin was not unforgiving to press the matter. 

Eloise fell into thought. Mr. Evringham had certainly been more genialat table, conversation had been more general and sustained last eveningthan ever before the advent of Jewel, and he had not sneered, either. Eloise searched her memory for some word or look that might have givenhurt to her self-esteem, but she could find none. 

On this evening Mr. Evringham was in unusual spirits at dinner time. Hetold of the pleasure of Essex Maid at finding herself free of the stableagain, and of the gallop he had taken among the hills. 

The meat course had just been removed when Sarah came in with a troubledface, saying that Zeke wanted to see Mr. Evringham. Something was thematter with Essex Maid. She seemed "very bad. "

The master's face changed, and he moved back from the table. Thecountenances of the others showed consternation. Mrs. Forbes turnedpale. Had Zeke done anything, or left something undone? She dropped hertray and hastened after Mr. Evringham. Eloise noticed that Jewel'seyes were closed. In a minute the child pushed back from the table, andwithout a word to the others she hurried to the scene of trouble. Shemet Mrs. Forbes rushing to the kitchen for hot water. 

"Go straight into the house, Jewel, " cried the housekeeper with an angerborn of her excitement. "Don't you go near that barn and get in theway. "

The child, scarcely hearing her, fled on. As she entered the barn sheheard her grandfather's voice addressing Zeke, who was flinging a saddleon Dick. 

"Dr. Busby'll leave anything when he knows it's the Maid. " He didn'tneed to say "hurry. " Zeke was as anxious as his master to get theveterinary surgeon. 

Essex Maid had fallen in her stall and was making her misery apparent, tossing her head and rolling her eyes. Her master's teeth were set. 

"Grandpa, may I try to help?" came Jewel's eager voice. 

"Go away, child, " sternly. "You'll get hurt. "

"But may I treat her?"

"Do anything, " brusquely; "but don't come near. "

Jewel ran to the back of the barn, dropped on the floor, and buried herface in her hands. 

Five minutes passed, ten, fifteen. Zeke rode up to the barn door, whiteand wild-eyed in the twilight. 

"Dr. Busby was away!" he gasped. "They tried to get him on thetelephone, and at last did. He'll be here in a few minutes. "

"The Maid's better, " said Mr. Evringham, wiping his forehead. "Therehasn't been a repetition of the attack. " Mrs. Forbes stood by, fanningherself with her apron. The mare was standing quietly. 

"Great Scott, but I'm glad!" replied Zeke devoutly. "I've seen 'emkeel up with that. You can go through me with a fine tooth comb, Mr. Evringham, and you won't find a thing I've neglected for that mare. "Excitement had placed the young fellow beyond his awe for the master. 

"I believe you, boy, " returned the broker. In his relief he would havebelieved anything. 

"See the poor kid, " said Zeke, catching sight of the little figuresitting out of earshot, where the twilight touched her. 

Mr. Evringham wheeled and strode back to the child. Her face was stillhidden. 

"Don't cry, Jewel, " he said kindly, his voice unsteady. "She's better. "

The child looked up radiantly. "I knew it!"

The unexpected look and exclamation startled her grandfather. "Zeke saysthe doctor can't get here for a little while, " he went on, "but the mareis out of pain. "

"It's all right, " rejoined the child joyously. "The doctor ought not tocome. We shall do better without him. "

The first gleam of her meaning began to shine across the broker's mind. He stared down at the little figure, uncertain whether to laugh or cry, sufficiently shaken to do either. 

"Why, you midget you, " he said, picking the child up in his arms; "haveyou been trying your tricks over here in the corner?"

"That isn't the way to talk, grandpa, when God has helped us so, "returned Jewel earnestly. 

Zeke, following his employer, had heard this colloquy, and stared openmouthed. 

When Dr. Busby arrived he was a much injured man. "The mare's perfectlyfit, " he grumbled. "You've made me leave an important case. "

"Very sorry, " returned Mr. Evringham, trying to look so. "The fact isthe Maid has given us a scare in the last hour that I shouldn't likerepeated. Look her over carefully, Busby, carefully. "

"I have. " The veterinary gave a cross look around the group, his glanceresting a moment on the upturned face of a little flaxen-haired girl whostood with her hand in Mr. Evringham's. 

"He's falling into his dotage, I guess, " said the doctor privately toZeke, as he prepared to ride away. 

"Don't fool yourself, " returned the young fellow. "The mare pretty nearscared me into a fit. My knees ain't real steady yet. "

He stood watching the disappearing figure of the veterinary. "That kidbelieves praying did it, " he mused. "I ain't going to believe that, ofcourse, but the whole thing was the queerest ever. "

Mr. Evringham, after one more visit to the stall of Essex Maid, startedback to the house, Jewel skipping beside him. 

Mrs. Forbes remained in the barn, one hand still pressed to her amplebosom, a teakettle in the other. 

"What'd you calc'late to do, ma?" inquired her son, approaching her. 

"Wring out hot flannels. It's sense to treat colic the same, whetherit's in a horse or a baby. "

Zeke laughed. "Essex Maid didn't think so, did she?"

"Wouldn't let us do a thing. I saw the tears drip out of Mr. Evringham'seyes plain as I see you now. Zeke Forbes, you'll never know what it wasto me to have you come in and speak the way you did. You couldn't havedone it if you'd mistreated the horse any way. "

"Thank you, " returned the coachman emphatically. "I ain't monkeying withbuzz saws this year. "

"Not knowingly you wouldn't. But, child, "--Mrs. Forbes set down thekettle and pressed the other hand tighter to her bosom as she camecloser to him, "last night you'd been drinking when you came home. "

"Ho!" laughed Zeke uncomfortably, "just a smile or two with the boys. Byginger, you've got a nose on you, mother. "

"Can you think of your father and then laugh over it, Zeke? There hasn'ta man ever come to be a sot that didn't laugh about it in the firstplace. "

"Now, mother, now, now, " said the young fellow in half-impatient tonesof consolation, as he took the handkerchief from her apron pocket andwiped her eyes, where tears began to spring. "You must trust a chap todo what's right. I ain't a fool. Don't you think about this again. Ican take care of myself. Come now, to change the subject, what's youropinion of Christian Science as applied to horses with the colic?"

"What do you mean?" returned the housekeeper in an unusually subduedtone. 

"Why, didn't you catch on? The kid was over there in the corner treatingthe Maid. That's what they call it, treating 'em. Mr. Evringham laughedwhen he found out, and she jumped on him. Yes, she did; came right outand told him that wasn't the way to show his gratitude, or somethinglike that. Think of the nerve!"

"I ain't surprised. That child can't surprise me. "

"But what do you think of it, ma? I tell you 't was queer, the way thatmare's pain stopped. Of course I ain't going to believe--but, " firmly, "I can't get away from a notion that those Christian Science folks knowsomething that we don't. Busby was madder'n a hornet. I didn't scarcelyknow what to say to him. "

"Don't be soft, Zeke, " returned his mother, picking up the kettle. "Thetime for superstition has gone by. "

As Jewel and her grandfather entered the house they heard music. 

"That's cousin Eloise playing. Have you heard her grandpa?"

"Yes, when they first came. "

"Than you haven't sat with them in the evening for a long time?"suggested the child. 

"No. I--I didn't wish to monopolize their society. I wanted to give Dr. Ballard a chance. He is a friend of theirs, you know. "

"Yes, but I think cousin Eloise would be glad if she thought you likedher playing. It's very beautiful, isn't it, grandpa?"

"Yes, I dare say. Then, besides, I'm not at all sure that Mrs. Evringhamwould permit me to smoke in the drawing-room. "

"But wouldn't it be nice to go in there just a few minutes before you goto your study? I love to hear cousin Eloise play, but I like to be withyou, grandpa. "

Mr. Evringham was in a yielding state of mind. He allowed the pressureof the child's hand on his to lead him to the drawing-room, where hisentrance made a little stir. 

Dr. Ballard was sitting near the piano, listening to the music. Everybody rose as the newcomers entered. 

"How are you, Ballard? Jewel wished to hear her cousin's music, and sobehold us. If we bring a reminder of the stable, blame her. "

"Oh father, that dear horse is all right, I'm sure, " gushed Mrs. Evringham, "or else you wouldn't be here!"

"What? Something the matter with Essex Maid?" asked Dr. Ballard withconcern. 

"Yes. " Mr. Evringham seated himself. "A sharp attack, but short. Shewas relieved before we could get Busby here. " The speaker contracted hiseyebrows and looked at the child, who was still beside him. "The marehad received mental treatments meanwhile, " he added gravely. 

Dr. Ballard smiled, and drawing Jewel to him, lifted her upon his knee. "Look here, " he said, "can't you let anything around here be sick inpeace? We doctors shall have to form a union and manage to get youboycotted. "

The child smiled back at him, her head a little on one side, as hermanner was when she was in doubt how to respond. 

"What a blessing!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringham vivaciously. "Here, father, is the best cup of coffee you ever drank, if I did make it myself. "

Many weeks had elapsed since the broker had accepted a cup of coffeefrom that fair hand, but he rose now to take it with good grace. 

"Is there going to be some cambric tea for this baby?" inquired Dr. Ballard. 

"You must be hungry, Jewel; you hadn't finished your dinner, " said hergrandfather, but she protested that she was not. 

"How is Anna Belle?" asked Dr. Ballard. "It's a long time since I sawher. "

"Would you like to?" asked Jewel doubtfully. 

"Why--of--course!--if she's still up. Don't have her dress on myaccount. "

"She doesn't go to bed till I do, " responded the child. "I knowshe'd love to come down!" In a flash she had bounded to the door anddisappeared. 

Eloise was still sitting on the piano stool, facing the room. "Grandfather, " she said, leaning slightly forward in her earnestness, "did Jewel really treat Essex Maid?"

The broker shrugged his shoulders and smiled as he stirred his coffee. 

"I believe she did. "

"And do you think it did the horse any good?"

"Don't be absurd!" cried her mother laughingly, on nettles lest the girldisplease the young doctor. 

"Don't crowd me, Eloise, don't crowd me, " responded Mr. Evringham. "I'drather have something a little more substantial doing for a sick horsethan the prayers of an infant; eh, Ballard?"

"I've been reading Jewel's Christian Science book a great deal the lastfew days, " said Eloise. "If it's the truth, then she helped Essex Maid. "

Mrs. Evringham was dismayed. "What a very large _if_, my dear, " shereturned lightly. 

"She's a bright little girl, " said Dr. Ballard, and as he spoke Jewelcame back. 

She brought her doll straight to him, and he took both child and doll onhis lap. 

"Dear fellow, " thought Mrs. Evringham, "how fond he is of children! I'dlike to put Eloise in a strait-jacket. Do play some more, dear, won'tyou?" she said aloud, eager to return to safe ground. 

"Oh yes, cousin Eloise, " added Jewel ardently. 

"If you will sing afterward. Will you?" asked the girl. 

"Can you sing, Jewel?" asked Mr. Evringham. 

"No, grandpa, nothing but the tunes in church. "

"Well, " he responded, half smiling again, "I don't know that a hymnwould be so out of place to-night. "

"Do play the lovely running thing about spring, cousin Eloise, " beggedthe child. 

The girl turned back to the piano. "Jewel is so modern that she doesn'tknow the Mendelssohn 'Spring Song, '" she said, and forthwith she beganit. 

Jewel's head lay back against Dr. Ballard's shoulder, and her eyes neverswerved from the white-robed musician. 

When the player had finished and been thanked, the child and the doctorexchanged a look of appreciation. "That sounds the way it does in theRavine of Happiness, " said Jewel. 

"Where is that?"

"Where the brook is. "

"Oh!" Dr. Ballard had unpleasant associations with the brook. "Iunderstand you are fond of horses, " he added irrelevantly. 

"Oh yes. "

"Do you want to go driving with me to-morrow morning?"

Jewel's face grew radiant. 

"Oh yes!" She looked across at her grandfather. 

"I promised to take you driving, didn't I, Jewel? Well, the pleasantweather has come. I guess she'll go with me to-morrow, Ballard. "

"Guess again, Mr. Evringham, " retorted the doctor gayly. "She hasaccepted my invitation. "

Mrs. Evringham looked on and wondered. "What is it about that child thattakes them all?" she soliloquized. "She reminds me of that dreadfullyplain Madam what's-her-name, who was so fascinating to everybody at theFrench court. "

Eloise was smiling. "Now it's your turn, Jewel, " she said. 

The child looked from one to another. "I never sang for anybody, " shereturned doubtfully. 

"Yes indeed, for Anna Belle. I've heard you, " said Eloise. 

"Oh, she was singing with me. "

"Very well. Let her sing with you now. "

"What one?"

"The one I heard, --'Father, where Thine own children are I love to be. '"

"Oh, you mean. 'O'er waiting harpstrings. ' All right, " and the child, sitting where she was, sang the well-loved hymn to a touched audience. 

"Upon my word, Jewel, " said her grandfather when she had finished. "Yourmusic isn't all in your soul. " His eyes were glistening. 

"Those are beautiful words, " said Dr. Ballard. "I don't remember anysuch hymn. "

"Mrs. Eddy wrote it, " returned the child. 

"It wasn't Castle Discord to-night, " she said later to Anna Belle, whilethey were going to bed. "Didn't you notice how much differently peopleloved one another?"

CHAPTER XIX

A MORNING DRIVE

"I declare, Eloise, " said Mrs. Evringham the next morning, "it is almostworth three whole days of storm to have a spell of such heavenly weatherto follow. We're sure of several days like this now, " She was standingat the open window, having shown a surprising energy in rising soonafter breakfast. 

She glanced over her shoulder at her daughter, who was picking up thegarments strewn about the room. "Now you can live out of doors, I hope, and get yourself toned up again. Really, last evening things were verycomfortable, weren't they?"

"Yes. I thought the lump had begun to be leavened, " returned the girl. 

"Talk English, please, " said her mother vivaciously. "Father seemedquite human, and that is all we have ever needed to make thingstolerable here. I suppose we reaped the benefit of his relief about thehorse. "

"It's all Jewel, " said Eloise, smiling. "That's English, isn't it?"

"Jewel!" Mrs. Evringham exclaimed. "Why, you're all daffy about thatchild. What _is_ the attraction?"

"That's what I'm trying to find out. It's time for me to go up now andbraid her hair and read the lesson. "

Mrs. Evringham regarded her daughter. "Young people are eager fornovelty, I know, " she said, "and it would seem as if an interest in achild was an innocent diversion for you at a time when you were growingmorbid, but I do think I'm the most unlucky woman in the world! To thinkthat the child should have to be a Christian Scientist, and that youshould take this perverse interest in her ideas just now. I haven'tspoken of your remarks about the horse last night, but it was in poortaste, to say the least, to mention such nonsense before Dr. Ballard, and apparently do it so seriously. I knew you had been helping Jewelwith lessons, but until last evening I didn't suspect that it might allbe on that odious subject. Is it, Eloise?"

"Yes, but it isn't odious. I like the fruit of it in her. "

"You've never shown Dr. Ballard your most agreeable side, and now ifyou're going to parade before him, an Episcopalian and a physician, aninterest in this--anarchism, I shan't blame him in the smallest degreeif he gives up all thought of you. "

Eloise, the undemonstrative, put an arm around her mother. "Shan't you, really?" she replied wistfully. "If I could only hope that. "

"Do you want to give me nervous prostration?" rejoined Mrs. Evringhamsharply. "Eloise, " her voice suddenly breaking, "do you love to tormentme?"

"Indeed I don't, poor mother, but I've been so tormented myself, and sodesirous not to--oh, not to do anything ignoble! I can't tell you allI've endured since--" She paused, her lips unsteady. 

"Since we lost your father, " dismally. "Yes, I know it. I'm the mostunlucky woman in the world!"

Eloise's arm tightened about her mother as she went on, "Since I wasenchanted and thrown into Castle Discord. " She looked off at the mentalpicture of her cousin. "Mother, " she turned back suddenly, "what awonderful thing it is if there really is a God. "

"Why, Eloise Evringham, have you ever doubted it! That's positivelyill-bred!"

"But One that would be any good to us! Jewel's mother thinks she knowssuch a One, and so does the child. I wish you'd look into this ChristianScience with me. You might find it better than getting grandfather topay our bills, better than marrying me to Dr. Ballard. "

Mrs. Evringham raised her eyes to her deity. "What have I ever done, "she ejaculated, "that I should have a queer child! Well, I will notlook into it, " she returned decidedly; "and if Dr. Ballard were not thebroad, noble type of man that he is, he wouldn't take the trouble tonotice and entertain a child who has treated him as she has. It mighttouch even you to see the lengths to which he goes to please you. I hopeyou will at least have the grace to go down with Jewel to the buggy andsee them off. "

"I couldn't in this wrapper, " replied Eloise, releasing the speaker. 

"Of course not, so put on a dress before you go up to Jewel. "

"It's too late, dear. He'll be here by half-past ten. I must have herready. "

Mrs. Evringham looked after her daughter's retreating figure, and thenher lips came together firmly. She untied the ribbons of the loose gownof lace and silk, in which she had keyed herself up by degrees to facethe requirements of luncheon and the afternoon's diversions, and donneda conventional dress, in which she composed herself by the window towatch for the doctor's buggy. There was a vista in the park avenue whichafforded a fair look at equipages three minutes before they could reachMr. Evringham's gateway. 

From the moment the doctor's office hour was over this stanch supporterset herself to watch that gap. As soon as she saw Hector's dappled coatand easy stride she sprang up and went downstairs, and when the shiningbuggy paused at the steps and Dr. Ballard jumped out, she appeared onthe piazza to greet him. 

"What an inspiring morning!" she said, as he removed his hat. "Thatinsane girl!" she thought. "If he had chanced to be awkward and plain, he would have been just as important to us. His good looks are thrownin, and yet she won't behave herself. "

"Glorious indeed!" he replied heartily. "Where's my young lady?"

Mrs. Evringham had plenty of worldly experience, and not even herenemies called her stupid, but at this moment there was but one younglady in the world to her, as she believed there was to him. 

"She is upstairs braiding Jewel's hair, " she replied before she realizedher own insanity. Then she hastened on, coloring under the odd look inhis eyes, "But you mean Jewel, of course. She will be down at once, I'msure. It's so kind of you to take her. "

"Not at all. She's an original worth cultivating. "

Mrs. Evringham shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose she must be, since youall say so. Eloise gives up a surprising amount of time to her, but Ican't judge much from that, because Eloise is so unselfish. For my part, the child's ideas are so strange, and my little girl is still so youngand impressionable, I object to having them much together. It may seemvery absurd, when Jewel is so young. "

"No; I saw last evening how interested Miss Eloise already is. "

"Oh, " hastily, "she pretends to be, and I assure you I object. Eloisehas a good mind, and I hope you will offer a little antidote nowand then to the stuff she has begun to read. A word to the wise, Dr. Ballard. I need say no more. "

It was true. Mrs. Evringham had no need to say more. Her ideas, andespecially those which related to himself, had always been inscribed inlarge characters and words of one syllable for her present companion, who was a young man of considerable perception and discrimination. 

He had not time to reply before Jewel, radiant of face, appeared in thedoorway, where she hesitated, her doll in her arms. 

"I brought Anna Belle, " she said doubtfully, "but I can leave her underthe stairs if there isn't room. "

"Anna Belle under the stairs on a morning like this! And in such atoilet? Talk about error!" The doctor's tone was tragic as he lifted thehappy child into the buggy. 

Mrs. Evringham nodded a reply to their smiling farewells as Hectorsprang forward, and she looked after them in some perplexity. 

"Why should he take the trouble?" she reflected. "It would have beensuch a splendid morning for them to have gone riding if he had thisleisure. Of course it must have been just one of his indirect and lovelyways of trying to please Eloise. "

Just as she was solacing herself with the latter reflection, herdaughter stepped out on the piazza, a little black book in her hand. 

"Warm enough to sit out, isn't it?" she remarked. 

Her mother looked at her critically. She had not seen this care-freelook on her child's face since Lawrence died. 

"Why didn't you come out a little sooner?"

"I wasn't presentable. How delicious the air is!"

"Yes. Let us sit here and finish that novel. "

"All right. "

"What have you there?"

"Mrs. Eddy's book, --'Science and Health. '"

Mrs. Evringham made a grimace. "I read part of it once. That was enoughfor me. Think of the price they charge for it, too. Think of pretendingit is such a good thing for everybody to have, and then putting a priceon it that prohibits the average pocketbook. " Eloise's smile annoyed hermother. "Weren't you with me the day Nat Bonnell's mother said so muchabout it?"

"How foolish she was not to try it, " said Eloise. "Such a hopeless, monotonous invalid. "

"Well, some of her friends worked hard enough to induce her to, but whenshe found out the mercenary side of it, she saw at once that it couldn'tbe trustworthy. "

"I suppose even Christian Scientists must have a roof and food andclothes, " returned Eloise coolly; "but I've thought a good deal the lastfew days about the criticisms I've heard on the price of the book. Thefuss over that three dollars is certainly very funny, when theaverage pocketbook goes to the theatre sometimes, has flowers for itsentertainments, and rejoices to find lace reduced from a dollar and aquarter to ninety-five cents a yard for its gowns. It eagerly hoards andspends three dollars for some passing pleasure or effect, but winces andponders over paying the same sum for a book that will last a lifetime, and which, if it is worth anything, furnishes the key to every problemin life. "

"But why isn't it as cheap as the Bible if it is so beneficial?"

"It will be, probably, when it is generally respected. For the presentit wouldn't be wise to cast it about like pearls before swine. " Eloisesmiled at herself. "You see I'm talking as if I knew it all. My wisdomcomes partially from what I have extracted from Jewel, and partly fromwhat is obvious. I haven't reached the place yet where I am convinced, but this book is wonderfully interesting. It came to me in the darkesthour I have ever known, and it has--it has seemed to feed me when I wasstarving. I don't know how else to put it. I can't think of anythingelse. Mother, why haven't we a Bible? I was ashamed when Jewel askedme. "

Mrs. Evringham, astonished and dismayed by her daughter's earnestness, drew herself up. "We have a Bible, certainly. What an idea!"

"Where is it?" eagerly. 

"In the storage warehouse with the other books. "

Eloise's laugh nettled her mother. 

"The prayer books are upstairs on my table. What more do you want if youare going to take an interest in such things? I wish you would, dear, and embroider an altar cloth while you are here. I'm sure father wouldgladly contribute the materials and feel a pride in it. "

"Oh mother, " Eloise still smiled, "you know he never goes to church. "

"But he contributes largely. "

"Well, I haven't time to embroider altar cloths. Shall I get the story?"

"Yes, do. We'll go around the corner, out of the wind. "

Meanwhile Dr. Ballard's buggy was covering the ground rapidly. Throughthe avenues of the park sped Hector, and joy! Dr. Ballard allowed Jewelto drive as long as they remained within its precincts. Slipping hishand through the reins above where she grasped them, he held Anna Belleon his knee. Jewel had not suspected the size of the park. One couldalmost see the watered leaves increase in the sunshine, and the birdswere swelling their little throats to the utmost. The roses in hercheeks deepened in her happy excitement. She allowed the doctor to domost of the talking, while she kept her eyes on the horse's ears. Justonce she ventured to turn enough to glance at him. 

"I've had dreams of driving horses, " she said. 

"Is this the first time you've done it waking?"

"No, the second. Father took me once in Washington Park just beforehe came away, but the horse didn't pull like this. " She smiledseraphically. 

"So, boy, steady, " said the doctor soothingly, and Hector obeyed thevoice. 

"Did you play in the Ravine of Happiness when you were a little boy?"

"Where's that?"

"Where the brook is. "

"Oh yes. Are you planning to take me to that brook and wet my feet, Jewel?"

"We've gone long past it. Don't you know?"

"I think my education has been neglected. I don't remember it. "

"We can go, " returned Jewel suggestively. 

"Very well, we will; but first I have a couple of visits I must make. "

The horse was now trotting toward the park gate. As they reached it Dr. Ballard returned Anna Belle and took the lines. 

Jewel gave an unconscious sigh of rapture. "Trolleys and so on, youknow, " explained Dr. Ballard. "When you come back ten years from now youshall drive outside too. How was Essex Maid this morning?"

"She was all right, but grandpa took only a short ride. I guess he was alittle--bit--afraid. "

"She's the apple of his eye, or he wouldn't have been so nervous over atrifle last evening, " remarked the doctor. 

"Well, she made a great fuss, " replied Jewel. "She fell down in herstall, and everything like that. "

"Did she really?"

"Yes. Zeke said his knees were shaking. "

"But she was all right by the time Dr. Busby arrived?"

"Yes. "

Dr. Ballard looked at his small companion, a quizzical smile curving hismustache. 

"I've never thought of taking a partner, Jewel, but I might considera mascot. What do you say to sharing my office and being my mascot?Special high chair for Anna Belle, be it well understood. "

The little girl eyed him, her head on one side. It was her experiencethat all men were jokers. "I don't know what a mascot is, " she replied. 

"It's something or somebody that brings one good luck. "

"Do you think I could bring you good luck?"

"It looks that way. Of course there are certain rules you would have toobserve. It wouldn't do for you to talk against materia medica to thepatients in the anteroom. "

"What is an anteroom?"

"The place where my patients wait until I can see them in my office. "

Jewel lifted her shoulders and smiled. "I might read them 'Science andHealth' while they waited, and then they wouldn't have to go in. "

Dr. Ballard's laugh rang heartily along the leafy street. "Is that youridea of mascoting a poor young physician?" he inquired. 

Jewel laughed in sympathy. She didn't quite understand him, but she knewthat they were having a very good time. 

Pretty soon her companion drove in at the gate of an imposing oldresidence, set back from the street where the trolley ran with an air ofwithdrawing from the intrusion of these modern tracks. 

"I thought it wouldn't injure your conscience to wait for me while Imade a couple of professional visits, Jewel, eh?" he asked, as he jumpedout and fastened Hector to the ring in the hand of a bronze boy. "Iwon't be any longer than I can help, and don't you go to hoodooing me, now, while I'm upstairs. " The doctor returned to the buggy and took theblack case, frowning warningly at the child. "I have troubles enoughhere without that. This old lady used to trot me on her knee, and shewants to spend half an hour every morning proving that doctors don'tknow anything before she'll let me get to business. "

"It must be hard for doctors, " returned Jewel, "going to sorry peopleall the time, and nothing to give them except something on theirtongues. "

Dr. Ballard gave his small companion a quick glance. If he secretlyconsidered her beliefs as too richly absurd to excite aught butamusement, she evidently as honestly compassionated the poverty of ideasin his learned profession. 

"Well, I'll hurry, " he said, and vanished within the house. Time wouldnot have dragged for Jewel had he stayed all the morning. To sit in theshining buggy in close proximity to the dappled gray Hector, and withAnna Belle for a sympathizer, caused the minutes to be winged. 

When the doctor returned, a radiant face welcomed him. 

"I thought I should never get away, " he sighed, "but you don't lookbored. "

He untied the horse, jumped into the buggy, and they were off again, Hector striding along as if to make up for lost time. "Now only one morecall, Jewel, and then we'll get back out of the dust again, " said thedoctor cheerily. 

"I haven't noticed any dust, Dr. Ballard. I'm having the most _fun_!"

"Well now, I'm glad of that. It's a great thing to be eight years old, Jewel. "

"That's what cousin Eloise says. She says she'd like to be. "

"Indeed? How is the enchanting--excuse me--I mean the enchanted maidenthis morning?"

"She's well. She ties my bows now, so grandpa doesn't have to. "

"Ties your--" The doctor looked at the speaker, mystified. 

Jewel put her hand up to the small billows of silk behind her ear. "Myhair bows. They were real hard for grandpa to do. "

Dr. Ballard repressed a guffaw, and then turned solemn. "Do you mean tosay that Mr. Evringham tied your hair ribbons?"

"Why yes. "

"That settles it, Jewel. You must go into partnership with me and wavewands and things. Setting Essex Maid on her legs wasn't a patch onthat. "

Jewel regarded him questioningly a moment and then repeated, "But it wasreal hard for grandpa. "

"I can believe it!"

"And cousin Eloise is the kindest girl. She's like grandpa about that. Her kindness is inside, too. "

"Is it indeed? You don't know how much I thank you for telling me whereto look for it. "

"Oh, she must be kind to _you_, Dr. Ballard!"

"Once in a while, once in a while, " he replied cautiously, but Jewelcouldn't get a look into his eyes, though she tried, he was so busilyengaged poking an invisible fly from Hector's side with the point of thewhip. "If you'll find a way to make her kind to me all the time, Jewel, then you will be my mascot indeed. "

"All you have to do is to know she is, " replied the child earnestly. "I felt the way you do, at first, but now I've found out just because Istopped being afraid. "

"Ah, that's the recipe, eh? All I've to do is to stop being afraid. "

"That's all!" cried Jewel, beaming at his ready comprehension. "You'llfind out there isn't a thing to be afraid of with Cousin Eloise, andoh, Dr. Ballard, " the child smiled at him wistfully, "she's gettingso--so--unenchanted. "

"You just waved your wand, I suppose, and said 'Presto change, '"returned the young man. 

He turned Hector down a side street and drew rein under a large elm. "Here's my rheumatic gentleman, " he added, as he jumped from the buggyand fastened the horse. "He won't keep me waiting while he abusesdoctors, so I shan't be quite so long this time. " The speaker seized hiscase and went up a garden path to the house, and Jewel, with a luxurioussigh, set Anna Belle in the place he had vacated. 

CHAPTER XX

BY THE BROOKSIDE

Scarcely had she seen the doctor admitted and the house door closed whenan approaching pedestrian caught her eye. She recognized him atonce, and a little more color stole into her round cheeks, while anunconscious smile touched her lips. 

The gentleman had observed the doctor enter the house, and glanced idlyas he passed, to see what child was waiting in the buggy. The half shylook of recognition which he met surprised him. Somewhere he had seenthat rosy face. Going on his way and searching his memory he had leftthe buggy behind, when in a flash it came to him how, one day, that sameshy, pleased smile had beamed wistfully upon him in a trolley car. 

Instantly he turned back, and in a minute Jewel saw him standing besideher. He lifted his hat and replaced it as he held out his hand. 

"We've met before, haven't we?" he asked kindly. 

Jewel shook hands with him, much pleased. "My mother and father havegone to Europe, " she said "and it seemed as if there wasn't a Scientistin the whole world until I saw you. "

"Another proof of what I always say--that we should all wear the pin. Ididn't know that Dr. Ballard had any Science relations. "

"Oh, Dr. Ballard and I are not relations, " explained Jewel seriously. "I think he wants to marry my cousin Eloise; but he hasn't ever said so, and I don't like to ask him. He's the kindest man. I just love him, andhe's letting me ride around with him while he makes calls. "

"Why, that's very nice, I'm sure, " returned Mr. Reeves, smiling broadly. "Does he know that you're a Christian Scientist?"

"Oh, yes, indeed. I had a claim, and my grandpa called him to help me, so then I told him, but he kept on reflecting love just the same. "

Mr. Reeves scented an interesting experience, but he would not questionthe child. "Nice fellow, Guy Ballard. He deserves a better fate than tobow down to false gods all his days. "

"Yes, indeed, " returned Jewel heartily. 

"But, as you say, " continued Mr. Reeves, "he reflects love, and so weshall hear of his being a successful physician. "

"Yes, I want him to be always happy, " said the child. 

"Who is your grandfather, my dear?"

"Mr. Evringham. "

"Is it possible? Then you are--whose child?"

"My father's name is Harry. "

"Of course, of course. " Mr. Reeves nodded, trying to conceal hissurprise. "And is he a Scientist now?"

"Yes, my mother is teaching him to be. "

"Well, I'm sure I'm very glad to hear this. Your grandfather is notunkindly disposed toward Science?"

"My grandfather couldn't be unkind to anything! I thought you knew him. "

Mr. Reeves smoothed his mustache vigorously. "I thought I did, " hereturned. "You spoke of your cousin. I knew your aunt and cousin werewith Mr. Evringham now. Well, I'm glad, I'm sure, that you are sopleasantly situated. You must come to our little hall some Sundaywhere we have service, you know. It will be rather different from yourbeautiful churches in Chicago. "

"But I'd love to come, " replied the child eagerly. "I didn't know therewas one here. I'll get grandpa to bring me. "

"Mr. Evringham!" The speaker could feel the tendency of his jaw to drop. 

"Yes, or else cousin Eloise. She helps me get the lesson every day, andthen she takes my book and reads and reads. She told me this morning sheread almost all last night. "

Mr. Reeves nodded slowly once or twice. "Still they come, " he murmuredmeditatively. 

"Would you--would you mind writing down where that hall is?" asked thechild. 

"Certainly I will. " Mr. Reeves suited the action to the word, takingan envelope from his pocket for the purpose. "And if I ever seeMr. Evringham there"--he said slowly, "by the way, please tell yourgrandfather that we met and had this chat. "

"I don't know your name, " returned the child. 

"Why, of course. Pardon me. Reeves. Mr. Reeves. Can you remember that?"

The little girl flashed a bright look at him. "We can't forget, " shereminded him. 

"Of course, " he nodded. "Exactly. I'm very likely younger in Sciencethan you are, little one. How long have you known about it?"

Jewel thought. "Seven years, " she replied. 

Her companion gave a laughing exclamation. "There, you see. I've knownfor only one year. What is your name?"

"Jewel Evringham. "

"Good-bye, Jewel, till we meet again, some Sunday soon, I hope. "

They shook hands, and Mr. Reeves went smiling on his way. 

"Seven years, " he reflected. "There's the simon pure article. She can'tbe over nine. I'll wager Bel-Air Park has had its sensations of late. Evringham! The high ball, the billiard ball, and the race track, andnow the reputation of being a difficult old martinet. Never unkind toanything! Why, she's a little feminine Siegfried, that precious Jewel. Ballard and the cousin, eh? I've heard that rumor. "

When Dr. Ballard returned to the buggy, Jewel began loquaciously tellinghim of her pleasant experience. 

"And he knows you, Mr. Reeves does, and he said you were a nice fellow, "she finished, beaming. 

"Very civil of him, I'm sure, " returned the doctor as the horse started. "I distinctly remember his having a different opinion one night when hecaught me in his favorite cherry tree; but I don't yet understand thelevity of his behavior in scraping acquaintance with the young lady Ileft unprotected in my buggy. "

"Oh, we'd met before in a trolley car, " explained Jewel. "I wanted torun right to him when I first saw that he was a Scientist. "

"A what? Mr. Reeves? Oh, go 'way, my little mascot. Go 'way!"

"Yes, he had on the pin--this one, you know. " Jewel touched the smallgold symbol, and Dr. Ballard examined it curiously. "So we smiled ateach other, and to-day he's told me where I can come to church, and I'mnearly sure cousin Eloise will go with me. "

Dr. Ballard's eyes grew serious as he turned Hector's head toward thepark. "I can scarcely believe it of Mr. Reeves, " he said. 

"He says you are too nice to bow down to false gods, " added Jewel shyly. 

"If mine are false to you, yours are false to me, " said the young mankindly. "You can understand that, can't you, Jewel?"

"Yes, I can. "

"And we should never quarrel over it, should we?" he went on. 

"No--o!" returned Jewel scornfully. "We'd get a pain. "

"But you can see, " went on the young doctor seriously, "that the more wecared for one another the more we should regret such a wide differenceof opinion. "

"I suppose so, " agreed the child, "and so we'd--"

"You are going back to Chicago after a while, and so you understand thatI can better afford to agree to differ with you than I could with someone who was going to stay here--your cousin Eloise, for instance. "

The child looked at him in silence. She had never seen Dr. Ballard wearthis expression. 

"For this reason, Jewel, I want to ask you if you won't do me the favornot to talk to your cousin about Christian Science, nor ask her to readyour books, nor to go to church with you. "

The child's countenance reflected his seriousness. 

"You can see, can't you, that if Miss Eloise should become muchinterested in that fad it would spoil our pleasure in being together, while it lasted?"

The word fad was not in Jewel's vocabulary, but she grasped the doctor'smeaning, and understood that he was much in earnest. She felt veryresponsible for the moment, and in doubt how to express herself. 

"I feel sort of mixed up, Dr. Ballard, " she returned after a minute'ssilent perplexity. "You don't mind cousin Eloise reading the Bible, doyou?"

"No. "

"You're glad if she can be happy instead of sorry, aren't you?"

"Yes. "

Jewel looked at him hopefully. "There won't be anything worse thanthat, " she said. 

"Yes, many things worse, " he responded quickly. "You might do me thatlittle favor, Jewel. I understand you go to her with your lessons, asyou call it, and your questions. "

"Yes, she helps me; but she takes my books to her room. I don't see howI can help it, Dr. Ballard. "

"Well, " he heaved a quiet sigh, "perhaps the attack will be shorter ifit is sharp. We'll hope so. "

"I wouldn't do any harm to you for anything, " said the child earnestly, "but you wait a little while. When people come into Christian Scienceit makes them twice as nice. If you see cousin Eloise get twice as niceyou'll be glad, won't you?"

The young man gave an impatient half laugh. 

"I'm not grasping, " he returned. "She does very well for me as sheis. Now, " he turned again to the child, who rejoiced in the recoveredtwinkle in his eyes, "you have my full permission to convert the errorfairy. "

"Hush, hush!" ejaculated Jewel, alarmed. "We mustn't hold that law overher. "

Dr. Ballard laughed. 

"Convert her, I say. Let us see what she would be like if she were twiceas nice. She's a very charming woman now, your aunt Madge. If she weretwice as nice--who knows? The fairy might spread wings and float away!"

They had entered the park and Jewel suddenly noted their surroundings. "We're coming to the Ravine of Happiness, " she said. 

"That's the way it's been looking to me ever since last evening, "responded her companion meditatively. 

The child paid no attention to his words. She was watching eagerly forthe bend in the road beside which the gorge lay steepest. 

"There!" she said at last, resting her hand on that of her companion. Obediently the doctor stopped his horse. The park was still but forthe bird notes, the laughter and babble of the brook far below, and therustle of the fresh leaves, each one a transparency for a sunbeam. 

The two were silent for a minute, Jewel's radiant eyes seeking thepensive ones of her companion. 

"Do you hear?" she asked softly at last. 

"What?" he returned. 

"It is cousin Eloise's Spring Song. "

The doctor's words and looks remained in Jewel's mind after she reachedhome that day. She mused concerning him while she was taking off AnnaBelle's hat and jacket up in her own room. 

"I don't suppose you could understand much what he meant, dearie, " shesaid, her face very sober from stress of thought, "but I did. If I'dbeen as big as mother I could have helped him; but I knew I was toolittle, and when people don't understand, mother says it is so easy tomake mistakes in what you say to them. "

Anna Belle's silence gave assent, and her sweet expression was alwaysa solace to Jewel, who kissed the hard roses in her cheeks repeatedlybefore she sat her in the big chair by the window and went down tolunch. Anna Belle's forced abstemiousness had ceased to afflict her. At the lunch table she gave a vivacious account of the morning'sdiversions, and for once Mrs. Evringham listened to what she said, a curious expression on her face. This lady had expected to endureannoyance with this child on her grandfather's account; but for unkindfate to cause Jewel to be a hindrance and a marplot in the case of Dr. Ballard was adding insult to injury. 

The child, suddenly catching the expression of Mrs. Evringham's eyes asthey rested upon her, was startled, and ceased talking. 

"Aunt Madge does love me, " she declared mentally. "God's children loveone another every minute, every minute. "

"So Mr. Reeves told you where you can go to church, " said Eloise, replying to Jewel's last bit of information. 

"Yes, and"--the little girl was going on eagerly to suggest that hercousin accompany her, when suddenly Dr. Ballard's eyes seemed looking ather and repeating their protest. 

She stopped, and ate for a time in silence. Mrs. Forbes paid littleattention to what was being said. She moved about perfunctorily, with anair of preoccupation. She had a more serious trouble now than the careand intrusion of the belongings of Lawrence and Harry Evringham, a worrythat for days and nights had not ceased to gnaw at her heart, first as asuspicion and afterward as a certainty. 

When luncheon was over, Eloise in leaving the dining-room, put her armaround Jewel's shoulders, and together they strolled through the halland out upon the piazza. 

Mrs. Evringham looked after them. "If only that child weren't a littlefanatic and Eloise in such an erratic, wayward state, ready to seizeupon anything novel, it would be all very well, " she mused, "for Dr. Ballard seems to find Jewel amusing, and it might be a point of commoninterest. As it is, if ever I wished any one in Jericho, it's thatchild. "

Jewel, happy in the proximity of her lovely cousin, satisfied herself bya glance that aunt Madge was not following. 

Eloise looked about over the sunny, verdant landscape. "What a deceitfulworld, " she said. "It looks so serene and easy to live in. So it wasvery lovely over at your ravine this morning?"

"Oh!" Jewel looked up at her with eager eyes. "Let's go. You haven'tbeen there. It's only a little way. You don't need your hat, cousinEloise. "

Summer was in the air. The girl was amused at the child's enthusiastictone. "Very well, " she answered. 

Jewel drew her on with an embracing arm, and they descended the stepsand walked down the path. 

Suddenly the child stopped. "Doesn't it seem unkind to go without AnnaBelle!" she exclaimed. 

"Oh, nonsense, " returned Eloise, smiling. "You're not going way upstairsto get her. We needn't tell her we went. She's been out driving all themorning. I think it's my turn. "

The child looked happily up into her cousin's face. "I love to see youlaugh, cousin Eloise, " she returned, and they strolled on. 

The park drives were deserted. The cousins reached the gorge withoutmeeting any one. Leaning upon the slender fence, they gazed down intothe green depths, and for a minute listened to the woodland melody. 

"Isn't it just like your Spring Song?" asked the child at last. 

"It is sweet and comforting and good, " replied the girl slowly, afar-off look in her eyes. 

Jewel lifted her shoulders. "Don't you want to get down there, cousinEloise?" she asked, her eyes sparkling. 

"Yes, " replied the girl promptly. 

"Will it hurt your dress?" added Jewel, with a sudden memory of Mrs. Forbes, as she looked over her cousin's immaculate black and whitecostume. 

"I guess not, " laughed the girl. "Are you afraid Mrs. Forbes will put meto bed?"

She bent her lithe figure and was under the wire in a twinkling. Jewelcrept gleefully after her, but was careful to hold her little skirtsout of harm's way as they climbed down the steep bank and at last restedamong the ferns by the brook. Its louder babble seemed to welcome them. Nature had been busy at her miracle working since the child's lastvisit. Without moving she could have gathered a handful of littleblossoms. Instead, she rolled over and kissed a near clump of violets. "You darling, darling things!" she said. 

Eloise looked up through far boughs to the fleece-flecked sky. "Everything worth living for is right here, Jewel, " she said. "Let'shave a tent and not give any one our address. "

"I think we ought to let Dr. Ballard come, don't you?"

"Now why did you pick him out?" returned Eloise plaintively. She wasresting her head against her clasped hands as she stretched herselfagainst the incline of her verdant couch. Her companion did not reply atonce, and Eloise lazily turned her head to where she could view the eyesfixed upon her. 

"What are you thinking of, Jewel?"

"I was just thinking that if my mother made you a thin green dress thatswept around you all long and narrow, you'd look like a flower, too. "

The girl smiled back at the sky. "That's very nice. You can think thosethoughts all you please. "

"That wasn't all, though, because I was thinking about Dr. Ballard. He feels sorry. I couldn't tell you about it at lunch, because auntMadge--well, because--"

"Yes, " returned Eloise quietly. "It is better for us to be alone. "

Jewel's brow relaxed. "Yes, " she said contentedly, "in the Ravine ofHappiness. "

"Look out, though, " continued the girl in the same quiet tone andlooking back at the sky. "Look out what you say here. It is easy nowto feel that all is harmonious, and that discords do not exist. I thinkeven if grandfather appeared I could talk with him peacefully. "

"I have thought about it, " returned the child, "and it seems hard toknow what to say; but I love you and Dr. Ballard both, so it will besure to come out right. He feels sorry if you are beginning to like tostudy Christian Science. "

"Really, did he speak of that to you? I think he might have chosen a manof his size. "

"Of course he spoke of it when he found out I wanted to ask you to takeme to our church. "

"Where is the church here?" Eloise abandoned her lazy tone. 

"They have a hall. Mr. Reeves wrote it down for me. Do you really care, cousin Eloise? You've been so kind and helped me, but do you reallybegin to care?"

"Care? Who could help caring, if it is true? I've been reading some ofthe tales of cures in your magazine. If those people tell the truth"--

"Why, cousin Eloise!" The child's shocked eyes recalled the girl'sself-centred thoughts. 

"I beg your pardon, dear. It was rude to say that. I'm not ill, Jewel. I'm so well and strong that--I've sometimes wished I wasn't, but lifeturned petty and disgusting to me. I resented everything. It is just aswonderful and radiant a star of hope to read that there is a sure wayout of my tangle as if I had consumption and was promised a cure ofthat. I don't yet exactly believe it, but I don't disbelieve it. All Iknow is I want to read, read, read all the time. I was just thinking aminute ago that if we had the books here it would be perfect. This isthe sort of place where it would be easiest to see that only the goodis the real, and that the unsubstantiality of everything evil can beproved. "

Jewel gave her head a little shake. "Just think of poor Dr. Ballardbeing afraid to have you believe that. "

"But who wouldn't be afraid to believe it, who wouldn't!" exclaimed thegirl vehemently. 

"Why, I've always known it, cousin Eloise, " returned the child simply. 

"You dear baby. You haven't lived long. I don't want to climb into afool's paradise only to fall out with a dull thud. "

Jewel looked at her, grasping as well as she could her meaning. "I knowI'm only a little girl; but if you should go to church with me, " shesaid, "you'd see a lot of grown-up people who know it's true. Then wecould go on Wednesday evenings and hear them tell what Christian Sciencehas done for them. "

"Oh, I'm sure I shouldn't like that, " responded Eloise quickly. "How canthey bear to tell!"

"They don't think it's right not to. There are lots of other peoplebesides you that are sorry and need to learn the truth. "

The rebuke was so innocent and, withal, so direct, that honest Eloiseturned toward Jewel and made an impulsive grasp toward her, capturingnothing but the edge of the child's dress, which she held firmly. 

"You're right, Jewel. I'm a selfish, thin-skinned creature, " shedeclared. 

The little girl shook her head. "You've got to stop thinking you are, you know, " she answered. "You have to know that the error Eloise isn'tyou. "

"That's mortal mind, I suppose, " returned Eloise, smiling at the soundof the phrase. 

"I should think it was! Old thing! Always trying to cheat us!" saidJewel. "All that you have to do is to remember every minute that God'schild must be manifested. He inherits every good and perfect thing, andhas dominion over every belief of everything else. "

Eloise stared at her in wonder. "Do you know what you've talking about, you little thing, when you use all those long words?"

"Yes. Don't you?" asked the child. "Oh, listen!" for a bird suddenlypoured a wild strain of melody from the treetop. 

"And just think, " said Jewel presently, in a soft, awestruck tone, "thatsome people wear birds sewed on their hats, just as if they were gladsomething was dead!"

"It _is_ weird, " agreed Eloise. "I never liked it. Jewel, did Dr. Ballard blame you because I am interested in Christian Science?"

"He said he wished I wouldn't talk to you and go to church andeverything. "

The girl bit a blade of grass and eyed the child's serious face. 

"Well, what are you going to do about it?"

"I asked God to show me. I wish Dr. Ballard would study with you. "

"That is impossible. He has spent years learning his science, and heloves it and is proud of it; so what next?"

"Very queer things happen sometimes, " rejoined Jewel doubtfully. 

"But not so queer as that would be, " returned Eloise. 

Jewel was pondering. This was very delicate ground, and she still feltsome awe of her cousin; however, there was only one thing to consider. 

"Do you love him better than anybody, cousin Eloise?" she asked. 

A flood of color warmed the girl's face, but she had to smile. 

"Would that make the difference?" she asked. "Mustn't we want the truthanyway?"

Jewel heaved a mighty sigh. She was thinking of Dr. Ballard's pensiveeyes. "I should _think_ so, " she answered frankly; "because if you juststudy the truth, and hold on tight, how can things be anything buthappy at last? I wish I was more grown up, cousin Eloise, " she addedapologetically. 

"Oh no, no, " answered the girl, with a little catch in her throat. "I'vehad so much of grown-up people, Jewel! I'm so grown up myself! Justa little while ago I was a schoolgirl, busy and happy all the time. Inever even went out anywhere except with father, and with Nat when hewas at home from college. You don't know Nat, but you'd like him. "

"Why! Is he a Christian Scientist?"

For answer Eloise laughed low but heartily. "Nat a Christian Scientist!"she mused aloud. "Not exactly, my little cousin!"

"Then should I like him as well as Dr. Ballard?" asked Jewelincredulously. 

"I don't know. Tastes differ. "

"Does he like horses?" asked the child. 

"He knows everything about a horse and a yacht except how to pay forthem, poor boy, " returned Eloise. 

"Is he poor?"

"Yes, he is poor and expensive. It is a bad combination; it is almostas bad as being poor and extravagant. His mother is a widow, andthey haven't much, but what there was she has insisted on spending onhim--that is, all she could spare from the doctor's bills. "

"She needs Science then, doesn't she?"

"Jewel, that would be one thing that would keep me from wanting to bea Scientist. What's the fun of being one unless everybody else is? Mymother, for instance. "

"Yes; but then you'd find out how to help her. "

Eloise glanced at the child curiously. She thought it would beinteresting to peep into Jewel's mind and see her estimate of AuntMadge. 

"My mother has a great deal to trouble her, " she said loyally. 

"Yes, I know she thinks she has, " returned the child. 

Again her response surprised her companion. 

"I'll take you as you are, Jewel, " she said. "I'm glad you're not grownup. You're fresher from the workshop. "

CHAPTER XXI

AN EFFORT FOR TRUTH

When Eloise spoke in the ravine of talking with her grandfather, it wasbecause for a few days she had been trying to make up her mind to aninterview with him. A fortnight ago she would have felt this to beimpossible; but subtle changes had been going on in herself, and, shethought, in him. If her mother would undertake the interview now andtake that stand with Mr. Evringham which Eloise felt that self-respectdemanded, the girl would gladly escape it; but there was no prospectof such a thing. Mrs. Evringham was only too glad to benefit by herfather-in-law's modified mood, to glide along the surface of thingsand wait--Eloise knew it, knew it every day, in moments when her cheeksflushed hot--for Dr. Ballard to throw the handkerchief. 

The girl wished to talk with Mr. Evringham without her mother'sknowledge, and the prospect was a dreaded ordeal. She felt that they hadwon his contempt, and she feared the loss of her own self-control whenshe should come to touch upon the sore spots. 

"What would you do, Jewel, " she asked the next morning, after they hadread the lesson; "what would you do if you were afraid of somebody?"

"I wouldn't be, " returned the child quickly. 

"Well, I am. Now what am I going to do about it?"

Anna Belle, who always gave unwinking attention to the lesson, was inJewel's lap, and the child twisted out the in-turning morocco foot asshe spoke. 

"Why, I'd know that one thought of God couldn't be afraid of another, "she replied in the conclusive tone to which Eloise could never growaccustomed. 

"Oh, Jewel, child, " the girl said impatiently, "we'd be sorry to thinkmost of the people we know are thoughts of God. "

"That's because you get the error man mixed up with the real one. Motherexplains that to me when we ride in cable cars and places where we seeerror people with sorry faces. There's a real man, a real thought ofGod, behind every one of them; and when you remember to think rightabout people every minute, you are doing them good. Did you say you'reafraid of somebody?"

"Yes, and that somebody is a man whom I must talk to. "

"Then begin right away to know every minute that the real man isn'tanybody to be afraid of, for God made him, and God has only lovingthoughts; and of course you must be loving all the time. It'll be justas _easy_ by the time you come to it, cousin Eloise!"

The girl often asked herself in these days why she should begin tofeel unreasonably hopeful and lighter hearted. Her mother no longercomplained of her moods. Mrs. Evringham laid the becoming change in herdaughter's expression to the girl's happiness in discovering that shedid reciprocate Dr. Ballard's evident sentiments. 

"Eloise is so high minded, " thought the mother complacently. "Shewould never be satisfied to marry for convenience, like so many;" andconsidering herself passingly astute, she let well enough alone, ceasedto bring the physician's name into every conversation, and bided hertime. 

One morning Mr. Evringham, coming out of the house to go to town, metEloise on the piazza. 

"You are down early, " he said as he greeted her, and was passing on tothe carriage. 

"Just one minute, grandfather!" she exclaimed, and how her heart beat. He turned his erect form in some surprise, and his cold eyes met thegirlish ones. 

"She's a stunning creature, " he thought, as the sunlight bathed heryoung beauty; but his face was impenetrable, and Eloise nerved herself. 

"Were you thinking of going golfing this afternoon?" she asked. 

"Yes. "

"I thought you said something about it at dinner last evening. Would youlet me go with you?"

Mr. Evringham, much astonished, raised his eyebrows and took off the hatwhich he had replaced. 

"Such a request from youth and beauty is a command, " he returned with aslight bow. 

Tears sprang to the girl's eyes. "Don't make fun of me, grandfather!"she exclaimed impulsively. 

"Not for worlds, " he returned. "You will do the laughing when you see medrive. My hand seems to have lost its cunning this spring. Shall we sayfour-thirty? Very well. Good-morning. "

"Now what's all this?" mused Mr. Evringham as he drove to the station. "Has another granddaughter fallen in love with me? Methinks not. What isshe after? Does she want to get away from Ballard? Methinks not, again. She's going to ask me for something probably. Egad, if she does, I thinkI'll turn her over to Jewel. "

Eloise's eyes were bright during the lesson that morning. 

"It's to-day, Jewel, " she said, "that I'm going to talk with that manI'm afraid of. "

"Never say that again, " returned the child vehemently. "You are notafraid. There's no one to be afraid of. Do you want me to handle it foryou?"

"What do you mean, Jewel?"

"To declare the truth for you. "

"Do you mean give me a treatment for it?"

"Yes. "

"Oh. Do you know that seems very funny to me, Jewel?"

"It seems funny to me that you are afraid, when God made you, and theman, and all of us, and there's nothing but goodness and love in theuniverse. Fear is the belief of evil. Do you want to believe evil?"

"No, I hate to, " returned Eloise promptly. 

"Then you go away, cousin Eloise, and I will handle the case for you. "

"Oh, are you going golfing?" said Mrs. Evringham that afternoon to herdaughter. "Do put on your white duck, dear. "

"Yes, I intend to. I'm going with grandfather. "

"You are?" in extremest surprise. "Oh, wear your dark skirt, dear; it'splenty good enough. Do you mean to say he asked you, Eloise?"

"No, I asked him. "

Mrs. Evringham stood in silent amaze, her brain working alertly. Sheeven watched her daughter don the immaculate white golf suit, and madeno further protest. 

What was in the girl's mind? When finally from her window she saw thetwo enter the brougham, Mr. Evringham carrying his granddaughter'sclubs, she smiled a knowing smile and nodded her head. 

"I do believe I've wronged Eloise, " she thought. "How foolish it was toworry. I've been wondering how in the world I was going to get father togive her a wedding, and how I was going to get her to accept it, andnow look! That child has thought of the same thing, and will manage it ahundred times better than I could. "

Jewel stood on the steps and waved her hand as the brougham rolled away. Eloise had seized and squeezed her surreptitiously in the hall beforethey came out. 

"I do feel braced up, Jewel. Thank you, " she whispered hurriedly. 

"Is the man over at the golf links?" asked the child, surprised to seethat Eloise and her grandfather were going out together. 

"He will be by the time I get there, " returned the girl. 

As soon as the carriage door had closed and they had started, Eloisespoke. "You must think it very strange that I asked this of you, grandfather. "

There was a hint of violets clinging to the fresh white garments thatbrushed Mr. Evringham's knee. 

"I would not question the gifts the gods provide;" he returned. 

She seemed able to rise above the fear of his sarcasms. "Not thatyou would be surprised at anything mother or I might ask of you, " shecontinued bravely, "but I have suffered, I'm sure, as much as you haveduring the last two months. "

"Indeed? I regret to hear that. "

If there was a sting in this reply, Eloise refused to recognize it. 

"In fact I have felt so much that it has made it impossible hitherto tosay anything, but Jewel has given me courage. "

Mr. Evringham smoothed his mustache. "She has plenty to spare, " hereturned. 

"She says, " went on Eloise, "that everything that isn't love is hate;and hate, of course, in her category is unreal. It is because I want thereal things, because I long for real things, for truth, that I asked tohave this talk, grandfather, and I wanted to be quite alone with you, soI thought of this way. "

"It's the mater she's running away from, then, " reflected her companion. He nodded courteously. "I am at your disposal, " he returned. 

Subtly the broker's feeling toward Eloise had been changing since theevening in which Jewel wrote to her parents. His hard and fast opinionof her had been slightly shaken. The frankness of her remarks onChristian Science in the presence of Dr. Ballard the other evening hadbeen a surprise to him. The cold, proud, noncommittal, ease-loving girlwho in his opinion had decided to marry the young doctor was either lessdesigning than he had believed, or else wonderfully certain of her ownpower to hold him. He found himself regarding her with new interest. 

"I've been waiting for mother to talk with you, " she went on, "and clearup our position; but she does not, and so I must. " The speaker's handswere tightly clasped in her lap. "I wish I had Jewel's unconsciousness, her certainty that all is Good, for I feel--I feel shame before you, grandfather. "

It seemed to Mr. Evringham that Jewel's eyes were appealing to him. 

"She says, " he returned with a rather grim smile, "Jewel avers that I amkindness itself inside. Let us admit it for convenience now, and see ifyou can't speak freely. "

"Thank you. You know what I am ashamed of: staying here so long;imposing upon you; taking everything for granted when we have no right. I want to understand our affairs; to know if we have anything, and whatit is; to have you help me, _you_; to have you tell me how we canlive independently, and help me to make mother agree to it. Oh, if youwould--if you _could_ be my friend, grandfather. I need you so!"

Mr. Evringham received this impetuous outburst without change ofcountenance. "How about Ballard?" he said. "I thought he was going tosettle all this. "

There was silence in the brougham. The flash of hurt in the girl's eyeswas quenched by quick tears. Her companion reddened under the look ofsurprise she bent upon him, her lovely lips unsteady. 

"No offense, " he added hastily. "Ballard's sentiments are evidentenough, and he is a fine fellow. "

Eloise controlled herself. "Will you take the trouble to explain ouraffairs to me?" she asked. 

"Certainly, " responded Mr. Evringham quickly. "I wish for your sakethere was more to explain, more possibilities in the case. "

"We have nothing?" exclaimed the girl acutely. 

"Your father took heavy chances and lost. His affairs are nearlysettled, and what there is left is small indeed. " The speaker cast aquick glance at the girl beside him. She had caught her lip betweenher teeth. Jewel's soft voice sounded in his ears. "Cousin Eloise feelssorry because she isn't your real relation. " An inkling of what the girlmight suffer came to him. 

"Your mother and you have a claim upon me, " he went on. "I shouldcertainly feel a responsibility of all my son's debts, and the one tohis wife and daughter in particular. I will try to make the situationeasier for you in some way. "

"Manage for us to go away, grandfather. Haven't you a little housesomewhere?"

The beseeching in her tone surprised Mr. Evringham still more. What didthe girl mean? Didn't she intend to marry Ballard? He had believed herto be planning to preside in the Mountain Avenue mansion. 

"Yes, it can be arranged, certainly, " he answered vaguely; "but there'sno hurry, Eloise, " he added, in the kindest tone he had ever used towardher. "Some evening we will go over the affairs, and I will show youwhere your mother stands financially, and we will try to make some planthat shall be satisfactory. "

Eloise gave him a grateful look, as much in response to his manner as tohis words. "Thank you. The present condition is certainly--error, " shesaid. 

"Well, we'll try to find harmony, " replied the other. "Jewel would sayit was easy. I should like to have you remain at my house at least aslong as she does, Eloise. I should probably have to tie her hair ribbonsagain if you went. "

The two found themselves smiling at each other. The atmosphere waslightened, and the brougham drew up at the clubhouse. 

Mr. Evringham handed out the girl, gave Zeke the order to return forthem, and they went up the steps. 

"I would drive back with him, grandfather, only that mother wouldwonder, and ask questions, " said Eloise. "Don't let me detain you in anyway. I'll just sit here on the piazza. "

"Not play? Nonsense!" returned Mr. Evringham brusquely. 

"Please don't feel obliged"--Eloise began humbly. 

"But I can't help being obliged if you'll play with me, " interrupted hercompanion. 

Some men observed the confidential attitude of the broker and thebeautiful girl. "What's doing over there?" asked one. "Is Evringhambeginning to take notice?"

"Why, don't you know?" returned the other. "That's his granddaughter. "

"His daughter, do you mean? Didn't know he had one. "

"Not a bit of it. She's Lawrence's stepdaughter. "

The other shook his head. "That's too involved for me. She's a queen, anyway. "

"Going to marry Ballard, they say. "

"That so? Then I won't go up and fall on Evringham's neck. My bank bookisn't in Ballard's class. She can play, too, " as he observed Eloisemake a drive while she waited the reappearance of her companion fromthe clubhouse. "Isn't that a bird!--and say, there's young Lochinvarhimself!" for here a light automobile whizzed briskly up to theclubhouse. 

Dr. Ballard sprang out, for he had recognized the figure at the firstteeing ground. 

"You gave me the slip!" he cried as he approached. 

"Oh, I just went with a handsomer man, " returned Eloise, smiling, asthey shook hands. 

"I didn't know I could come until the last minute, then I went to thehouse for you and found I had missed you. "

Mr. Evringham and the caddy approached. "I cut you out for once, Ballard, " he said. "Well, we're off, Eloise. I saw you drive. I doubt ifhe catches us. "

Jewel's eyes questioned Eloise that evening when she reached home, and she received the smiling, significant nod her cousin gave her withsatisfaction. 

It was an apparently united family party that gathered about thedinner table. Mr. Evringham and Eloise discussed their game, while Mrs. Evringham fairly rustled with complacence. 

As Jewel clung to her grandfather's neck that evening in bidding himgood-night, she whispered:--

"How happy we all are!"

"Are we, really? Well now, that's very gratifying, I'm sure. Good-night, Jewel. "

CHAPTER XXII

IN THE HARNESS ROOM

"Mother, can I have three dollars?" asked Eloise the next morning. 

"Were you thinking of a new riding hat, dear? I do wish you had it towear this afternoon. Yours is shabby, certainly, but you can't get itfor that, child. "

"No; I was thinking of a copy of 'Science and Health. ' I don't like totake Jewel's any longer, and I'm convinced. "

"What of--sin?" asked Mrs. Evringham in dismay. 

"No, just the opposite--that there needn't be any. The book teaches thetruth. I know it. "

"Well, whether it does or doesn't, you haven't any three dollars tospend for a book, Eloise, " was the firm reply. "The _idea_, when I canbarely rake and scrape enough together to keep us presentable!"

"Where do you get our money?" asked the girl. 

"Father gives me a check every fortnight. Of course you know that he hascharge of our affairs. "

Eloise's serene expression did not change. She looked at the littleblack book in her hand. "This edition costs five dollars, " she said. 

"Scandalous!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringham. "I can tell you this is no timefor us to be collecting _editions de luxe_. Wait till you're married. "

"I'm going to run in town for a while this morning, mother. "

"You are? Well don't get belated. You know that you are to ride with Dr. Ballard at half past four. Dear me, " her brow drawn, "you ought to havethat hat. Now I think that I _could_ get on without that jet bolero. "

Eloise laughed softly and drew her mother to her. "Have your jet bolero, dear, " she answered. "My hat isn't bad. "

Eloise went to her room, and closing the door, took from one of herdrawers a box. It contained her girlish treasures, the ornaments andjewels her father had given her from time to time. She took out a smalldiamond ring and pressed it to her lips. 

"Dear papa! I love it because you gave it to me, but I can get with it awonderful thing, a truth which, if we had known it, would have saved youall those torturing hours, would have saved your dear life. I know howgladly you would have me get it now, for you are learning it too; and itwill be your gift, dear, _dear_ papa, your gift just the same. "

Jewel had to study the lesson with only Anna Belle's assistance thatmorning, but she received the third letter from her mother and father. Their trip was proving a success from the standpoints of both businessand pleasure, but their chief longing was to get back to their littlegirl. 

It was very like visiting with them to read it over, and Jewel did somore than once. "I'll show it to cousin Eloise as soon as she comeshome, " she reflected. Then she dressed Anna Belle to go out. 

Running downstairs the child sought and found Mrs. Forbes in thekitchen. The housekeeper no longer questioned her going and coming, although she still considered herself in the light of the child's onlydisciplinarian, and was vigilant to watch for errors of omission andcommission, and quick to correct them. 

"Mrs. Forbes, may I have an old kitchen knife?"

"Certainly not. You'll cut yourself. "

"I want it to dig up plants. "

Mrs. Forbes stared down at her. "Why, you mustn't do any such thing. "

"I mean wild flowers for a garden that Anna Belle and I are going tomake. "

"Oh. I'll see if I can't find you a trowel. "

There was one at hand, and as the housekeeper passed it to the child shewarned her:--

"Be careful you don't make a mistake, now, and get hold of anybody'splants. What did your cousin Eloise go to New York for?"

"I don't know. "

"Well I hope it's for her trousseau. "

Jewel smiled. "My mother makes those. "

"I don't believe she'll ever make one for you, then, " returned Mrs. Forbes, but not ill-naturedly. She laughed, glancing at Sarah, who stoodby. 

"But I think she will for Anna Belle, " returned Jewel brightly, "whenshe gets older. "

The housekeeper and maid both laughed. "Run along, " said Mrs. Forbes, "and don't you be late for lunch. "

"She's an awful sweet child, " said Sarah half reproachfully. "Just thespirit of sunshine. "

"Oh well, they'd turn her head here if it wasn't for me, " answered theother complacently. 

Jewel was not late to lunch, but eating it tete-a-tete with aunt Madgewas not to her taste. 

Mrs. Evringham utilized the opportunity to admonish her, and Mrs. Forbesfor once sympathized with the widow's sentiments. 

Aunt Madge took off her eyeglasses in a way she had when she wished tobe particularly impressive. 

"Jewel, " she said, "I don't think any one has told you that it isimpolite to Dr. Ballard to say anything about Christian Science in hispresence. "

"Why is it?" asked the child. 

"Because he is a learned physician, and has, of course, a great respectfor his profession. "

"I have a great respect for him, " returned the child, "and he knows Iwouldn't hurt his feelings. "

"The idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringham, looking down from a height uponthe flaxen head. "As if a little ignorant girl could hurt the feelingsof a man like Dr. Ballard!"

Mrs. Forbes also stared at the child, and she winced. 

"I do love them, and they do love me, " she thought. "I don't rememberever speaking about it before the doctor unless somebody asked me, " shesaid aloud. 

"Your cousin Eloise may ask you, " returned Mrs. Evringham. "Nobody elsewould. She does it in a spirit of mischief, perhaps, but I shall speakto her. She has a passing curiosity about your ideas because it is oddand rather amusing to find a child who has such unnatural and precociousfancies, and she tries to draw you out; but it will not last with her. Neither will it with you, probably. You seem to be a sensible littlegirl in many ways. " Mrs. Evringham made the addition magnanimously. Shereally was too much at peace with all the world just now to like to besevere. 

Outwardly Jewel was silent. Inwardly she was declaring many things whichwould have surprised her companions. 

"Does your cousin Eloise pretend to you that she is becoming seriouslyinterested in your faith?" pursued Mrs. Evringham. 

"She will tell you all about it, " returned Jewel. 

Aunt Madge shrugged her shoulders and laughed a little. Her thoughtsreverted to her daughter's trip to the city. She had wonderedseveral times if it had any pleasant connection with her sudden goodunderstanding with Mr. Evringham. 

To Jewel's relief her thoughts remained preoccupied during the remainderof the meal; and as soon as the child could leave, she flew to thecloset under the stairs, where Anna Belle often went into retreat duringthe luncheon hour, and from thence back to the garden she was making bythe brookside. 

When she returned to the house her eyes lighted as she saw two horsesbefore the piazza, and Dr. Ballard standing beside one of them. 

"How are you, Jewel?" he asked, as she danced up to him smiling. Stooping, he lifted her into the side saddle, from whence she beamedupon him. 

"Oh, what fun you're going to have!" she cried. 

"I'd like to be sure of that, " he answered, his gloved hand on thepommel. 

"What do you mean?" incredulously. "You don't like that automobilebetter, do you? They're so--so stubby. I must have a horse, a horse!"She smoothed and patted her steed lovingly. 

"You ought to have--Jewel of the world, " he said kindly. "My bad angel!"he added, looking up quizzically into her eyes, and smiling at thewidening wonder that grew in them. 

"Your--what?" she asked, and then Eloise came out in her habit. 

"I'm going instead of you, " cried the child gayly, "to pay you forstaying away all day. "

"Did you miss me?" asked the girl as she shook hands with her escort. 

"I tried not to. Anna Belle and I have something to show you in theravine. " As she spoke, Jewel slid down into the doctor's arms, and stoodon the steps watching while he put Eloise up and mounted himself. 

The child's eyes dwelt upon the pair admiringly as they waved theirhands to her and rode away. Little she knew how their hearts werebeating. Mrs. Evringham, watching from an upper window, suspected it. She felt that this afternoon would end all suspense. 

The child gave a wistful sigh as the horses disappeared, and jumping offthe piazza, she wandered around the house toward the stable. There hadbeen no rules laid down to her since the night of Essex Maid's attack, and Zeke was always a congenial companion. 

As she neared the barn a young fellow left it, laughing. She knew whohe was, --one of the young men Zeke had known in Boston. He had severaltimes of late come to call on his old chum, for he was out of work. 

As he left the barn he saw the child and slouched off to one side, avoiding her; but she scarcely noticed him, congratulating herself thatZeke would be alone and ready, as usual, to crack jokes and stories. 

The coachman was not in sight as she entered, but she knew she wouldfind him in the harness room. Its door stood ajar, and as thechild approached she heard a strange sound, as of some one weepingsuppressedly. Sturdily resisting the sudden fear that swept to herheart, she pushed open the door. 

There stood Mrs. Forbes, leaning against a wooden support, her foreheadresting against her clasped hands in a hopeless posture, as she sobbedheavily. The air was filled with an odor which had for Jewel sickeningassociations. The only terror, the only tragedy, of her short life waswrapped about with this pungent smell. She seemed again to hear hermother's sobs, to feel once more that sensation of all things coming toruin which descended upon her at the unprecedented sight and sound ofher strong mother's emotion. 

All at once she perceived Zeke sitting on a low chair, his arms hangingacross his knees and his head fallen. 

The child turned very pale. Her doll slid unnoticed to the floor, as shepressed her little hands to her eyes. 

"Father, Mother, God, " she murmured in gasps. "Thou art all power. Weare thy children. Error has no power over us. Help us to waken from thislie. "

Running up to the housekeeper, she clasped her arms about her convulsedform. "Dear Mrs. Forbes, " she said, her soft voice trembling at firstbut growing firm, "I know this claim, but it can be healed. It seemsvery terrible, but it's nothing. We know it, we must know it. "

The woman lifted her head and looked down with swollen eyes upon thechild. She saw her go unhesitatingly across to Zeke and kneel besidehim. 

"Don't be discouraged, Zeke, " she said lovingly. "I know how it seems, but my father had it and he was healed. You will be healed. "

The coachman lifted his rumpled head and stared at her with bloodshoteyes. 

"Great fuss 'bout nothing, " he said sullenly. "Mother always fussing. "

Something in his look made the child shudder. Resisting the suddenrepugnance to one who had always shown her kindness, she impulsivelytook his big hand in both her little ones. "Zeke, what is error sayingto you?" she demanded. "You can't look at me without love. I love youbecause God does. He is lifting us out of this error belief. "

The young fellow returned the clasp of the soft hands and winked hiseyes like one who is waking. "Mother makes great fuss, " he grumbled. "Scott was here. We had two or three little friendly drinks. Ma had tocome in and blubber. "

"What friendly drinks? What do you mean?" demanded Jewel, looking allabout her. Her eyes fell upon a large black bottle. She dropped thecoachman's hand and picked it up. She smelled of it, her eyes dilated, and she began to tremble again; and throwing the whiskey from her, sheburied her face for a moment against Zeke's shirt sleeve. 

"Is it in a bottle!" she exclaimed at last, in a hushed voice, drawingback and regarding the coachman with such a white and horrifiedcountenance that it frightened the clouds from his brain. "Is thatterrible claim in a bottle, and do people drink it out?" she askedslowly, and in an awestruck tone. 

"It's no harm, " began Zeke. 

"No harm when your mother is crying, when your face is full of error, and your eyes were hating? No harm when my mother cried, and all ourgladness was gone? Would you go and drink a claim like that out of abottle--of your own accord?"

Zeke wriggled under the blue eyes and the unnatural rigidity of thechild's face. 

"No, Jewel, he wouldn't, " groaned Mrs. Forbes suddenly. "Zeke's a goodboy, but he's inherited that. His father died of it. It's a disease, child. I thought my boy would escape, but he hasn't! It's the end!"cried the wretched woman. "What will Mr. Evringham say! To think how Iblamed Fanshaw! Zeke'll lose his place and go downhill, and I shall dieof shame and despair. " Her sobs again shook her from head to foot. 

Jewel continued to look at Zeke. A new, eager expression stole over herface. "_Is_ it the end?" she asked. "Don't you believe in God?"

"I suppose so, " answered the coachman sullenly. "I know I'm a man, too. I can control myself. "

"No. Nobody can. Even Jesus said, 'Of myself I can do nothing. ' Only Godcan help you. If you can drink that nasty smelling stuff, and get allred and rumply and sorry, then you need God the worst of anybody inBel-Air. You look better now. It's just like a dream, the way you liftedup your face to me when I came in, and it _was_ a dream. I'll help you, Zeke. I'll show you how to find help. " The child suddenly leaned towardthe young fellow, and then retreated. "I can't stand your breath!" sheexclaimed, "and I like to get close to the people I love. "

This seemed to touch Zeke. He blushed hotly. "It's a darned shame, kid, "he returned sheepishly. 

"Mrs. Forbes, come here, please, " said Jewel. The housekeeper had ceasedcrying, and was watching the pair. She saw that her boy's senses wereclearer. She approached obediently, and when the child took her hand herown closed tightly upon the little fingers. 

"Zeke, you're a big strong man and everybody likes you, " said Jewelearnestly. "Isn't it better to stay that way than to drink out of abottle, no matter _how_ much you like it?"

"I don't like it so awfully, " returned Zeke protestingly. "I like to besociable with the boys, that's all. "

"What a way to be sociable!" gasped the child. "Well, wouldn't yourather be nice, so people will like to get close to you?"

"Depends on the folks, " returned the boy with a touch of his usualmanner. "You're all right, little kid. " He put out his hand, but quicklywithdrew it. 

Jewel seized it. "Now give your other one to your mother. There now, we're all together. If your mother thinks you have a disease, Zeke, thenshe must know you haven't. If you want me to, I'll come out here everyday at a quiet time and give you a treatment, and we'll talk all aboutChristian Science, and we'll know that there's nothing that can make ussick or unhappy--or unkind! Think of your unkindness to your mother--andto me if you go on, for I love you, Zeke. Now _may_ I help you?"

The soft frank voice, the earnest little face, moved Zeke to cast aglance at his mother's swollen eyes. They were bent upon Jewel. 

"Do you say your father was cured that way, child?" asked Mrs. Forbes. 

"Yes. Oh yes! and he's so happy!"

"Zeke, let's all be thankful if there's _anything_, " said the womantremulously, turning to him appealingly. 

"I'd just as soon have a visit from you every day, little kid, " said theyoung fellow. "You're a corker. "

"But you must want more than me, " returned the child. "God and healingand purity and goodness! If you're in earnest, what are you going to dowith that?" She touched the black bottle with the toe of her shoe. 

Zeke looked at the whiskey, then back into her eyes. They were full oflove and faith for him. 

He stooped and picked up the bottle, then striding to a window, he flungit out toward the forest trees with all the force of his strong arm. 

"Damn the stuff!" he said. 

Mrs. Forbes felt herself tremble from head to foot. She bit her lip. 

Her son turned back. "Getting near train time, " he added, not looking athis companions. "Guess I'll go upstairs. "

When he had disappeared his mother stooped slowly and kissed Jewel. "Forgive me, " she said tremulously. 

"What for?" asked the child. 

"Everything. "

The housekeeper still stood in the harness room after Jewel had goneaway. She bowed her head on her folded hands. "Our Father who art inheaven, forgive me, " she prayed. "Forgive me for being a fool. Forgiveme for not recognizing Thine angel whom Thou hast sent. Amen. "

CHAPTER XXIII

MRS. EVRINGHAM'S CALLER

Mrs. Evringham was busily chewing the cud of sweet fancies only, thatafternoon. Following the equestrians in their leafy woodland path, shepictured them as talking of their future, and herself built manycastles in the air. "Ah, " she thought sentimentally, leaning back in herreclining chair, "how charming is youth--with plenty of money!"

She was roused from these luxurious meditations by the appearance ofSarah, bearing a card on a salver. 

"A man!" she exclaimed with annoyance. "I'm not dressed. "

Lifting the card, she read it with a start. 

"Mr. Nathan Wycliffe Bonnell. "

"Tell him I'll be down soon, " was all she said; but her thoughts ranswiftly as she hurriedly slipped into her gown. "How in the world comesthe boy out here? Just as well that Eloise is away. It would only bepainful to her, all the old associations. " But old associations croppedup more and more enticingly for Mrs. Evringham as she made her swifttoilet, and by the time she reached the drawing-room her eagerness lenther cordiality a very genuine tone. 

"Nat, dear boy, how are you?"

The young man who rose eagerly to meet her would have been noticeablein any crowd. She gazed up into his smooth-shaven, frank face, with itsalert eyes and strong chin, and felt a yearning affection for all whichhe represented to her. "What are you doing out here?"

"Visiting you and Eloise, " he answered, with the hearty relish whichalways characterized his manner when circumstances were agreeable. "Where is she?"

"Riding. I don't know when they will come home, either. It's such acharming day, isn't it? So good of you to hunt us up, Nat. We've beenout of the world so long. I can't tell you what a rush of memories comesover me at sight of you, you nice, big boy. I do believe you've beengrowing. " She gave a glance of approval at the young man's stalwartproportions. 

"Oh, don't humiliate me, " he laughed, as she drew him to a divan, wherethey seated themselves. 

"How could you get away at this hour?"

"I'm changing my business, and get a week's vacation thereby. Greatluck, isn't it?"

"I hope so. Are you going to do better?"

"Much better. It's only a little matter of time now, Mrs. Evringham--automobiles, steam yachts, and all the rest of it. "

"Ah, the optimism of youth!" she sighed, gazing at the dancing lights inhis eyes. "It's very beautiful, and usually entirely unfounded. Youlook so radiant, my dear. Perhaps you have come out here to let uscongratulate you. Have you found that desirable girl? I certainly shouldbe the first to be told, for I always talked to you very plainly, didn'tI?"

"Indeed you did, Mrs. Evringham. You always kept my ineligibility beforeme strenuously. "

"A certain _sort_ of ineligibility, dear boy, " returned the lady witha flattering cadence. "Your capital did not happen to consist of money. Tell me all, Nat. Who is she?"

He shook his head. "She's still not impossible, but improbable, " hereturned. 

"Oh, you are too difficult, my dear. Really, I thought at the time ourmisfortunes fell upon us that it was going to be Miss Caton. She wouldhave been a great assistance to you, Nat. It isn't as if you could evenafford to be a bachelor. In these days so much is expected of them. Howis your mother?" Mrs. Evringham made the addition in that tone offixed sympathy which one employs when only a depressing answer can beexpected. 

"Very well, thank you. "

"You mean as well as usual, I suppose. "

"No, I mean well. Wonderful, isn't it?"

"Really, Nat?" Mrs. Evringham straightened up in her interest. "Who didit?"

"She was healed by Christian Science. "

"You don't mean it!"

"Indeed I do. "

Mrs. Evringham thanked her holy stars that Eloise was absent. 

"Well! I never for one moment classed your mother as a _maladeimaginaire_!" exclaimed the lady. 

Her companion raised his eyebrows. "I fancy no one did who knew her. "

"You believe it, then?"

"I should be an idiot if I didn't. "

"Do you mean to say she is out of her wheeled chair?"

"No chairs for her now. When she wishes to walk she walks. "

"Then she always could!" declared Mrs. Evringham. 

"I think you know better than that, " returned the other calmly. 

"How long since?" asked Mrs. Evringham. 

"Three months. "

Silence. 

"Aren't you glad for her?" asked Bonnell with a slight smile ofcuriosity into the disturbed face. "I ought to have told you at firstthat osteopathy did it; then after your joy had subsided, break thetruth gently. "

"Of course I'm glad, " returned the other stiffly, "but I'd rather Eloisedid not hear of it at once. "

"May I know why?"

"Certainly. We have a very dear friend who is a physician. It looks verymuch as if he might be something nearer than a friend. It is he withwhom Eloise is riding this afternoon. It is very distasteful, naturally, to have these alleged cures discussed in our family. We have had someannoyance in that line already. You can understand how doctors mustfeel. "

"Yes, so long as they believe a cure to be only alleged; but where oneis convinced that previously hopeless conditions have been healed, andit does happen once in a while, they are glad of it, I'm confident. Wehaven't a finer, broader minded class of men in our country than ourphysicians. "

"I think so, " agreed Mrs. Evringham, drawing herself up with a fleetingvision of the Ballard place on Mountain Avenue. 

"But they are not the wealthiest at the start, " said Nat. "Is itpossible that you are allowing Eloise to ride unchaperoned with a youngphysician?"

Mrs. Evringham did not remark the threatening curves at the corners ofthe speaker's lips. 

"Oh, this one is different, " she returned seriously; "very fineconnections, and substantial in _every_ way. "

Her companion threw back his head and laughed frankly. 

"We have to smile at each other once in a while, don't we, Mrs. Evringham?" he said, in the light, caressing manner which had for a fewyears been one of her chief worries; "but all the same, you're fond ofme just as long as I don't forget my place, eh? You're glad to see me?"

"You know I am. " Mrs. Evringham pressed her hand against the laces overher heart. "Such a bittersweet feeling comes over me at the very tonesof your voice. Oh, the happy past, Nat! Gone forever!" She touched adainty handkerchief to her eyes. "I suppose your mother is still in herapartment?"

"She has taken a place at View Point for the summer, and has set herheart on a long visit from you. "

"How very kind of her, " responded Mrs. Evringham with genuine gratitude. "I don't know what father means to do in the hot weather or whetherhe--or whether I should wish to go with him. Your mother and I alwaysenjoyed each other, when she was sufficiently free from suffering. "

"That time is always now, " returned Nat, a fullness of gratitude in hisvoice. 

His companion looked at him curiously. "I can't realize it. "

"Come and see, " was his reply. 

"I will, I certainly will. I shall anticipate it with great pleasure. "

A very convenient place to prepare a part of Eloise's trousseau, Mrs. Evringham was considering, and the girl safely engaged, Nat's presencewould have no terrors. "You think you are really getting into a goodbusiness arrangement now?" she asked aloud. 

"Very. I wake up in the morning wondering at my own good fortune. "

"I am so glad, my dear boy, " responded the other sympathetically. "Perhaps, after all, you will be able to wait for a little more chinthan Miss Caton has. Of course she's a very _nice_ girl and all that. "

Bonnell smiled at the carpet. 

They talked on for half an hour of mutual friends over cups of tea, andthen he rose to go. 

"Eloise will be sorry!" said Mrs. Evringham effusively. "It's such along way out here and so difficult for you to get the time. It isn't asif you could come easily. "

"Oh, I have several days here. I'm staying at the Reeves's. Do you knowthem?"

"No, " returned the lady, trying to conceal that this was a blow. 

"It is Mr. Reeves with whom I am going into business, and we are doingsome preliminary work. I shall see Eloise soon. Remember me to her. "

"Yes, certainly, " replied Mrs. Evringham. She kept a stiff upper lipuntil she was alone, and then a troubled line grew in her forehead. 

"It will be all right, of course, if things are settled, " she thought. "I can scarcely wait for Eloise to come home. "

Jewel had come from the barn straight to her room, where she thoughtupon her problem with the aids she loved. 

At last she went downstairs to a side door to watch for Zeke as he drovefrom the barn on his way to the station to meet Mr. Evringham. As thehorse walked out of the barn she emerged and intercepted the coachman. 

Mrs. Forbes at a window saw Zeke stop. She wondered what Jewel wassaying to him, wondered with a humble gratitude novel to her dominatingnature. 

"Wait one minute, Zeke, " said the child. "I've been wondering whether Iought to say anything to grandpa. "

"If you do I'll lose my place, " returned the young fellow; "and I'venever done wrong by the horses yet. "

"I know you haven't. God has taken care of you, hasn't he, Zeke? Do youthink it's right for me not to tell grandpa? I've decided that I'll dowhatever you say. "

It was the wisdom of the serpent and the harmlessness of the dove. Zeke, nervously fingering the whip handle, looked down into the guileless faceand mentally vowed never to betray the trust he saw there. 

"Then don't tell him, Jewel, " he returned rather thickly, for thefullness in his throat. "You come out to the barn the way you said youwould, and we'll talk over things. I don't care if the boys do laugh. I've sworn off. I believe you helped Essex Maid the other night. Ibelieve you can help me. "

Jewel's eyes were joyful. "If you know you _want_ help, Zeke, thenyou'll get it. Mother says that's the first thing. Mortal mind is soproud. "

"Mine ain't strutting much, " returned Zeke as he drove on. 

Jewel amused herself about the grounds until the phaeton should returnwith her grandfather. 

When she saw it coming she ran down to the gate and hopped and skippedback beside it, Mr. Evringham watching her gyrations unsmilingly. 

As he dismounted at the piazza she clung to his hand going up the steps. "Which are you going to do, grandpa, go riding or play golf?"

"Which do you want me to do?" he asked. 

"When you ride it's more fun for me, " she replied. 

He seated himself in one of the chairs and she leaned against its broadarm. 

"It's rather more fun for me, too. I'm growing lazy. I think I'll ride. "

"Good!"

"What have you been doing to-day, Jewel?"

"Well, "--meditatively, --"cousin Eloise went to New York, so I had to getmy lesson alone. And I didn't braid my hair over. "

Mr. Evringham looked startled. "She'll do it, I dare say, beforedinner, " he replied. 

"If she has time. She has gone riding with Dr. Ballard. They justtrotted away together. Oh, it was lovely!"

Mr. Evringham, leaning his head back, looked off under his heavy browsas he responded:--

 "Across the hills and far away, Beyond their utmost purple rim, And deep into the dying day The happy princess followed him, "and all that sort of business, I suppose. "

"I don't know what you mean, " said Jewel doubtfully. 

"I should hope not. Well, what else have you done? Been treating anyrheumatism? I haven't had it since the sun shone. "

"You never asked me to, " returned the child. 

Mr. Evringham smiled. "The sunshine is a pretty good treatment, " heobserved. 

"Sometimes your belief comes into my thought, " said Jewel, "and ofcourse I always turn on it and think the truth. "

"Much obliged, I'm sure. I'd like to turn on it myself at times. "

"You can study with cousin Eloise and me, if you'd like to, " said Jeweleagerly. 

"Oh, thank you, thank you, " rejoined the broker hastily. "Don't disturbyourself. There must be some sinners, you know, or the saints would haveto go out of business--nobody to practice on. Well, have you been to theravine?"

"Oh yes! Anna Belle and I, and we had more _fun_! We made a garden. "

"Morning or afternoon?"

"Morning. "

"Well I wish to know, " said Mr. Evringham in a suddenly serious andimpressive tone, "I wish to know if you reached home in time for lunch. "

Jewel felt somewhat startled under the daze of his piercing eyes, buther conscience was clear. "Yes, I was here in plenty of time. I wantedto surely not be late, so I was here too soon. "

"That's what I was afraid of, " returned Mr. Evringham gravely. "Idon't wish you to be unpunctual, but I object equally to your returningunnecessarily early when you wish to stay. "

"But I couldn't help it, grandpa, " Jewel began earnestly, when heinterrupted her. 

"So I've brought you this, " he added, and took from his pocket an oblongpackage, sealed at each end. 

The child laid her doll in the broker's lap, --he had become hardened tothis indignity, --and her fingers broke the seals and slipped the paperfrom a morocco case. 

"Push the spring in the end, " said Mr. Evringham. 

She obeyed. The lid flew up and disclosed a small silver chatelainewatch. The pin was a cherub's head, its wings enameled in white, aswere the back and edges of the little timepiece whose hands were busilypointing to blue figures. 

Jewel gasped. "For me?"

Her grandfather smoothed his mustache. He had presented gifts to ladiesbefore, but never with such effect. 

"Grandpa, grandpa!" she exclaimed, touching the little watch inwondering delight. "See what Divine Love has sent me!"

Mr. Evringham raised his eyebrows and smiled, but he was soon assuredthat Love's messenger was not forgotten. He was instantly enveloped ina rapturous hug, and heroically endured the bitter of the watchcasepressing into his jugular for the sweet of the rose-leaf kisses thatwere assaulting his cheek like the quick reports of a tiny Gatling gun. 

"See if you can wind it, " he said at last. 

Jewel lifted her treasure tenderly from its velvet bed, and he showedher how to twist its stem, and then pinned it securely on the breast ofher light sailor suit, where she looked down upon it in rapt admiration. 

"Now then, Jewel, you have no excuse!" he said severely. 

She raised her happy eyes, while her hand pressed the satin surface ofher watch. "Grandpa, grandpa!" she said, sighing ecstatically, "you'resuch a joker!"

CHAPTER XXIV

THE RAVINE GARDEN

Mrs. Evringham tried heroically to look impassive when her daughterreturned from the ride. There was barely time then to dress for dinner, and no opportunity for confidences before the meal, nor afterward untilbedtime; but the look of peace and sweetness in Eloise's face could havebut one significance to the mother, who believed that peace lay only inthe direction upon which she had set her heart. 

Mr. Evringham took coffee with them after dinner in the drawing-room, while Jewel caressed her watch, never tiring of looking at its clearface and the little second hand which traveled so steadily its tinycircuit. 

Mrs. Evringham looked often toward the door, expectant of the doctor'sentrance. The evening wore on and he did not come. Still Eloise's facewore the placid, restful expression. A gentle ease with her grandfatherreplaced her old manner. 

Her mother determined to try an experiment. 

"You could never guess who called to-day, Eloise, " she said suddenly. 

Her daughter looked up from her coffee. "No. Who was it?"

"Nat Bonnell. "

"Really!" The girl's tone indicated great surprise, and that only. "Iwish I might have seen him. "

The addition was made so calmly, almost perfunctorily, that Mrs. Evringham smiled with exultation. 

She turned to her father-in-law. "Who would believe that Mr. Bonnellwas Eloise's brightest flame a year ago? 'How soon are we forgot!'" shesaid lightly. 

When Jewel had kissed them all good-night and gone upstairs, and Mr. Evringham had withdrawn to his library, Mrs. Evringham took her child'shand and looked fondly into her eyes. 

"Well?" she asked. 

"Well, " returned Eloise, "do tell me everything Nat said. "

"After you've told me everything Dr. Ballard said. I supposed you'd flyto tell me, dear. "

The girl looked tenderly back into the eyes that were sharp withinquiry. "Dear little mother, " she returned, "it can't be. "

"What can't be?"

"What you wish. Dr. Ballard. "

"Have you--refused him--!" Mrs. Evringham's face whitened, andunconsciously she stepped back. 

"It didn't have to come to that. Dr. Ballard is so fine--such a wise manin so many ways. I do admire him so much. "

"What did you say to him? I will know!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringhampassionately. 

Eloise was mute, and her eyes besought her mother. 

"Speak, I say! Was it Christian Science? Did you dare, Eloise Evringham, did you _dare_ spoil your life--my life--our future, by scaring Dr. Ballard with that bugbear?" The angry woman was breathing fast. 

"Mother dear, don't give us something so painful to remember. Don't, Ibeg of you. Dr. Ballard does not reproach me. He thinks I shall change, and he wishes to give me time to see if I do. Think of him, if you willnot think of me. He would be so shocked to have you take it this way. If you could have seen how kind he was, how patient. Dear mother, don'tcry. It isn't anything I can help, unless I should deliberately turndishonest. "

But Mrs. Evringham did cry, and heartily. She hurried away to her ownroom as quickly as possible, and locked the door against Eloise, who layawake for hours with a strange mingling of regret and joy at her heart, and a constant declaring of the truth. 

At midnight the girl heard the door unlock and saw her mother emerge. 

"Darling mamma!" she exclaimed, springing out of bed. 

"Oh, Eloise, " moaned the poor woman, dissolving again upon her child'sshoulder. "I never went to bed without your kiss, and I can't bear it. How can you be so cru--cru--cruel!"

"Darling, everything is going to come right, " returned Eloise, holdingher close. "Nothing good would come of doing wrong. I never loved you somuch as now. I never saw duty so plainly. Dearest, in one way I sufferfor you, but still I was never so happy. I have grasped the end of theclue that will surely lead us safely through the labyrinth, no matterwhat life brings. You will see, mamma dear, after a while you will see. Don't go back. Come into my bed. "

Disconsolately Mrs. Evringham obeyed, and in a few minutes, worn outwith emotion, she had sobbed herself to sleep in her child's arms; andalthough for many days afterward she wore a languid air, and declaredthat there was nothing to live for, she yielded herself to Eloise'scourageous and quietly joyful atmosphere, with silent wonder at herchild's altered outlook. 

On the morning following the painful interview with her mother, Eloisepresented herself in Jewel's room at the usual hour. 

Smiling, she approached the child and exhibited three fresh new books. India paper editions of the Bible and "Science and Health, " and thelittle brown pamphlet were in her hands. 

"Yours?" exclaimed the child. 

Eloise nodded. 

"Good, good!" Jewel hopped up and down, and forthwith brought Anna Belleto have her share in the rejoicing. 

"You were afraid you couldn't get them. Now see!" cried the childtriumphantly. "As if Divine Love couldn't send you those books!"

"He showed me a way, " returned the girl. "See where I've written myname. I want you to put 'Jewel' right under it in each one. "

"Oh, in those lovely books?" said the child doubtfully. "I don't writevery well. "

"Yes, I want it, dear, when we go downstairs and can get some ink. Didanybody fix your hair yesterday?"

"I just brushed it down real smooth on the outside, " returned the child. 

"It looks so, " said Eloise, laughing. "Let's fix it before we have thelesson. By the way, what time is it, Jewel?"

The little girl smiled back at her cousin's reflection in the glass, andtook the open morocco case from the bureau. "Anna Belle and I put himto bed last night, " she said, looking fondly at the silver cherub onits velvet couch. "We've named him Little Faithful. He'll come to thelesson, too. I know he's going to be a lovely Scientist. "

"I'm sure I hope he will, and neither be fast nor lazy, " returnedEloise, as she unbraided the short pigtails. 

"I tell you it wasn't so nice getting the lesson alone yesterday, " saidJewel. "You were away all day! Did you have a nice ride?"

"Yes, " Eloise responded slowly. "The day was very nice--and so is Dr. Ballard. "

"Did he enjoy it?" asked the child hopefully. The doctor had been a gooddeal on her mind. 

"Some of the time, " responded Eloise soberly. 

"Why not all the time? Did error creep in?"

The older girl brushed away in silence for a minute. 

"I didn't mean to talk about grown-up things, " said the child, somewhatabashed. "Mother says I must be careful not to. "

"It is all right, Jewel. The new ideas I have been learning have mademe see some things so clearly. One is to perceive what it is that reallydraws people together in a bond that cannot be broken. There is only onething that can do it and will do it, and that is loving the same truth. Two people can have a very good time together for a while, and like eachother very much, but the time comes when their thoughts fly apart unlessthat one bond of union is there--unless they love the same spiritualtruth. "

The speaker caught, in the glass, the child's eyes fixed attentivelyupon her. 

"Wouldn't Dr. Ballard look at our book?" asked Jewel softly. 

"No, dear. "

The child reflected a minute, and her eyes filled. "I just love him, "she said. 

Her cousin stooped and kissed her cheek. "You well may, " she returnedquietly. "He deserves it. "

They studied the lesson and then went downstairs, where Jewel in hervery best hand slowly transcribed her name in the new books; then shetold Eloise that she was going out to the barn. 

"I'm going to visit with Zeke, " she said. "He has a claim of error, andhe is willing Science should help him. "

"Is he ill?"

Jewel looked off. "It isn't that kind of error. "

"There are plenty worse, " rejoined Eloise. She looked doubtfully at thelittle girl. "Wouldn't you better tell me, dear? Is it right for you togo?"

"Yes, it's right. His mother knows it, and she's so kind to me. What doyou think! At breakfast she asked me if I wouldn't like to bring AnnaBelle down. She says I can bring her to the table whenever I want to. Isn't it nice? The dear little creature has been so patient, neverhaving a thing to eat!"

Eloise could not help laughing, the manner in which Jewel finishedwas so suddenly quaint; but she shook her head in silent wonder as shewatched the short skirted figure setting forth for the barn. 

"Oh cousin Eloise. " Jewel turned around. "Will you come to the ravineafter lunch, and see what Anna Belle and I have done?"

"Yes. "

Jewel walked on a little further and turned again. "You won't wear yourwatch, will you?" she called. 

"No, I'll surely forget it, " returned the girl, smiling. 

The small figure went on, well content. 

"Oh, if I could only be invisible in that barn!" soliloquized Eloise. "How I would like to hear what she will say. How wonderful it is thatthat little child has more chance of success, whatever trouble Zeke hasbeen getting into, than any full-grown, experienced sage, philosopher, or reformer, who is a worker in mortal mind. "

Anna Belle came to luncheon that day. Mrs. Forbes actually put a cushionin one of the chairs to lift the honored guest to such a height thather rosy smile was visible above the tablecloth. Not content with thishospitality, the housekeeper brought a bread-and-butter plate, uponwhich she placed such small proportions of food as might be calculatedto tempt a dainty appetite. Jewel felt almost embarrassed by theeminence to which her child was suddenly raised. 

"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Forbes, " she said; "you needn't take so muchtrouble. Anna Belle's just used to having a part of mine. "

But nothing now was too good for Anna Belle. "She shall have acup-custard to-morrow, " returned the housekeeper. 

Mrs. Evringham looked on with lack-lustre eyes. As well make much ofAnna Belle as any other idol. Everything was stuffed with sawdust!

How the sunbeams glanced in the woods that day as Jewel, one handclasping her doll and the other in Eloise's, skipped along the road tothe ravine!

When they had stooped under the wire and gone down the bank, how thebrook sang, and how the violets bloomed in Jewel's garden!

"It's very pretty, " said Eloise, regarding the paths and flower bedswhich Jewel exhibited with pride. "It's very pretty, but it lacks onething. "

"What?" asked the child eagerly. 

"A pond. "

"But it is by the side of a rushing river, " returned Jewel. 

"Yes, but all the more easy to have a pond. "

"How?"

"We'll set a shallow pan, and sink it in the ground, and plant fernsabout it to hang over. Anna Belle can have some little china dolls to goin wading in it. "

"Oh yes, yes!" cried Jewel delighted. "Hear that, dearie? Hear what Loveis planning for you?"

Anna Belle's nose was buried in the grass and her hat was awry. If shehad a fault, it was a tendency to being overdressed. At present herplumed hat and large fluffy boa gave her an aspect unsympathetic withthe surroundings. Jewel pulled her upright and placed her on the mossydivan. 

"If I'd only brought the trowel I could get the hole ready, " Jewel wassaying, when a whistle, soft and clear as a flute, sounded above thebrook's gurgle. 

She lifted a finger in caution. "Oh, " she whispered, looking up into hercousin's face, "the loveliest bird! Hush. "

Clear, sweet, flexible, somewhere among those high branches soundedagain the same elaborate phrase. 

Jewel was surprised to see her cousin's pleased, listening expressionalter to eager wonder, then the girl flushed rosy red and started up. "Siegfried!" she murmured. 

Again came the bird motif sifting down through the rustling leaves. 

"Nat!" called Eloise gladly. 

"Any nymphs down there?" questioned a man's voice. 

"Oh yes!"

"May Pan come down?"

"Yes indeed. "

Jewel, watching and wondering, saw a young man in light clothes swinghimself down from tree to tree, and at last saw both his hands close onboth her cousin's. 

The two talked and laughed in unison for a minute, then Eloise freedherself and turned to the serious-faced child. "You remember my speakingof Nat the other day?" she asked. "This is he. Mr. Bonnell, this is mycousin Jewel Evringham. She is landscape gardening just now, and may notfeel like giving you her hand. "

"I can wash it, " said Jewel, dipping the earthy member in the brook, wiping it on the grass, and placing it in the large one that was offeredher. 

"How did you ever find us? I thought you'd gone back to New York. I hadno idea of seeing you, " said Eloise in a breath. 

"Didn't your mother tell you? I have a week off. "

The girl's bright face sobered. "Poor mother! She had a--a shock afteryou were here yesterday. I suppose it put everything out of her head. Was it she who sent you to find us?"

"No; a massive lady met me at the door and informed me that your motherwished to be excused from every one to-day, but that you had fallen downa crack in the earth which could be reached up this road. " The speakerlooked about. "As there doesn't seem any place to stand here, hadn't webetter sit down before we fall in the brook? I might rescue you, but thecurrent is swift. "

Eloise at once sank upon the green incline, and he followed her example. Jewel watched him with consideration, and he became aware of her gaze. 

"What are you making, little girl?" he asked, with his sunshiny smile. 

"A garden; and I could dig the pond if I had brought the trowel. "

"Perhaps my knife will do. " He took it out and opened the largest blade. "What do you think of that?"

"Do you suppose I should break it?" asked the child doubtfully. 

"You're welcome to try, " he replied. 

She leaned forward and accepted it from his outstretched hand. 

CHAPTER XXV

MUTUAL SURPRISES

"I thought I knew Bel-Air Park, " said Bonnell looking about him. "Inever suspected this. "

"Jewel is the Columbus of this spot. She has named it the Ravine ofHappiness. "

Nat looked at his speaker. "That's rather ambiguous. Does she mean wherehappiness is buried or where it is found?"

Eloise smiled. "Jewel never buries any happiness. Well, how iseverybody, Nat? Your mother, first of all. "

"Didn't Mrs. Evringham tell you?"

The girl's face clouded with apprehension at his surprised tone. "No. You will think it very strange, but poor mamma was under suchexcitement, you must pardon her. Everything went out of her head. Don'ttell me that dear Mrs. Bonnell"--she lowered her voice--"that you havelost her!"

He shook his head. "No, I've gained her. She's well. "

"Well!" repeated the girl amazed. "Why, what do you mean? How glorious!How long since?"

"About three months. "

"I am so glad! Tell me more good news. Tell me about your own frivoling, and then I shall hear about the other people. "

The young man shook his head. "I observed Lent this year scrupulously, and I haven't changed my tactics since Easter. I've been keeping my noseto the grindstone. Began to see things a little differently, Eloise. Idecided it was mother's innings--decided to drop the butterfly and dothe bee act. "

"Is it possible!" The girl laughed. "Will wonders never cease! What wasthe matter? Did the heiresses cut you?"

"I cut the whole thing, and I have my reward. I suppose your motherdidn't tell you that, either. I'm going into business with Mr. Reeves. Do you know him? Jewel does. " He smiled toward the child, who lifted aninterested face. 

"Yes, I do, " she said. "You remember about him, cousin Eloise. "

"Certainly. " The girl looked at her friend questioningly. 

"I'm spending this week at his house. "

"And you know about Jewel? He has told you?"

"Certainly. The one person of his acquaintance who hasn't to unlearnanything. "

"You mean he talked to you of Christian Science?"

Bonnell's hands were clasping his knees. His hat lay on the bank besidehim and the thick hair tossed away from his brow. He nodded slowly, wondering at the sudden attentive interest of her look. 

"Yes, " he replied. "We talked on the tabooed subject. "

"Tabooed with whom? You?" she asked disappointedly. 

"No, with you I understand. "

Color flew into Eloise's face. "Who told you that? Mother of course. "

Bonnell nodded, giving a fleeting glance toward the child, who was againbusy at her excavation. 

"Are congratulations in order, Eloise?" he asked quietly. 

"Yes, congratulations. " Her eyes grew full of light. "For I have come tosee the truth. That child has shown me. "

The young man's lips remained apart for a second in his surprise at thisdeclaration, after Mrs. Evringham's detailed representations. 

"Then I may tell you how my mother was healed, " he said at last. 

"Oh, was it really so?"

"Yes. "

"And you, Nat?" Unconsciously Eloise leaned her whole body toward him, supporting her hand on the ground. "You know about it yourself? Youunderstand?"

"Yes. "

"And you believe in it?"

"With all my heart. "

Her face shone. "Oh, Jewel, do you hear? Mr. Bonnell is a Scientist. "The girl's breathing was hastened. Her eyes were like stars. 

The child sank back from her work and regarded the visitor, smiling. Shewas glad, but she was not astonished. In her world a great many youngmen had found the key to life, but to Eloise it was something wonderful. She looked at her old friend as if she had never seen him before. Shereviewed all she knew of his gay life with its background of suffering. 

"Do you study the lessons?" she asked incredulously. "_You_?"

"Every day. I am surprised beyond measure to find you interested, foryour mother told me--And the doctor--?"

"Is a very fine man, " returned Eloise gravely, as he paused. 

Bonnell's mental questions were answered by her manner. He put his handin the pocket of his sack coat and drew out a small, thin, black book. 

Eloise took it. "'Unity of Good, '" she read on its cover. "I haven'tseen this one, " she said eagerly. 

"You will, " he replied. 

She looked up. "Do you know, I thought just now you were going to takeout your pipe?" she said naively. "That's where you used to keep it. "

"My pipe doesn't like me any more, " he rejoined quietly. 

"Are you happy, Nat?" she asked, scrutinizing his face with childlike, searching eyes. 

"I was never a very solemn codger, was I?" he returned. 

"But are you happier? Does the world look different? Of course it does, with your mother well. "

"Oh yes, " he answered in a changed tone, tossing his head back, andmaking a gesture as of throwing away something. "There was nothing in itbefore, nothing in it. "

"Yes, yes, I know, " she returned comprehendingly. 

Jewel had watched them, and now, as they paused, her voice broke thesilence in which the two friends looked into each other's faces. 

"Cousin Eloise is going to church with me on Sunday, " she announced. 

"Oh, certainly. " Bonnell smiled. "Wednesday evening meetings and allnow, Eloise. Haven't you attended yet?"

"No, I've only just learned. I've only just seen. I'm only beginning tosee, Nat. Your mother was healed. Oh, it is _true_, isn't it! It's sowonderful to find that you, _you_, know more about it than I do, when Isupposed you would scorn it. I can't help expecting to wake up. "

"That is just what you will do, " returned Bonnell. "You will waken--to athousand things. So your mother objects. "

"Poor little mother, " returned Eloise, looking down with sudden sadness. 

"My mother wants you and yours to make us a long visit at View Pointthis summer. "

The girl's lovely eyes raised hopefully. "The best thing that couldhappen, " she exclaimed. 

"I think so, " responded her companion. 

When Mr. Evringham returned from golf that afternoon, only hisdaughter-in-law was in sight. She inclined her head toward him with theair of a Lady Macbeth. 

"Have you seen anything of the girls?" she asked as he approached her. 

"Nothing. Where are they?"

She slowly shrugged her shoulders. "I'm the last one to ask. Theywouldn't think of telling me, " she returned. 

"What's up now?" thought Mr. Evringham. "You don't look well, Madge, " hesaid aloud. 

Once she would have welcomed the evidence of solicitude. Now nothingmattered. 

"I don't feel well, " she replied, "and I can't even call the physician Iprefer. "

Mr. Evringham stared down at her for a silent minute, and light brokeupon him. 

"Is it all off with Ballard?" he asked bluntly. 

"Yes; and that's what you have done, father, by allowing that childJewel to come here. "

Mr. Evringham bit his lip. This amused him. 

"Eloise has mounted the new hobby, and is riding for dear life away fromcommon sense, away from everything that promised such happiness. "

"Do you mean Christian Science?"

"Of course I do. "

"It's a strange thing, Madge. Do you know, it captures people with goodheads. " Mr. Evringham seated himself near his daughter's chair. "Icame out on the train with my friend Reeves. He was talking about youngBonnell, of whom you spoke last night. Said his mother was cured whenthe doctors couldn't do anything. You know her, eh?"

"As well as if she were my own flesh and blood. "

"Is it a fact, what they say?"

"She was considered incurable. I know nothing about the rest of it. Nat was telling me yesterday. Now he is probably infatuated also, and, sooner or later, Eloise is sure to meet him. "

"H'm, h'm. An old flame, you said, " remarked Mr. Evringham. "Indeed!In--deed! I trust for your sake, Madge, that his is not objectionable toyou. "

"He is, " snapped Mrs. Evringham. "A poor fellow, with his way to makein the world. He's been out of college a couple of years and hasn't doneanything worth speaking of yet. "

"Reeves is going to take him into the business, " returned Mr. Evringham. "I don't know why or wherefore, but the mere fact is decidedlypromising. "

"Oh, who can tell if that will last!" returned the other with scornfulpessimism. "Nat has let too many cotillions to do anything else well. Ican only pray that he will get away without seeing Eloise. Mrs. Bonnellhas invited us to make her a visit this summer. I certainly shall not goone step!"

A sudden sound of laughter was heard on the quiet air. Mrs. Evringhamleaned forward. "There are the children now, " she said, asfigures turned in at the gateway; "and who is that? It is"--withdesperation, --"he's here! Nat Bonnell is with them!"

She sat upright with disapproval, clasping the arm of her chair, whileher father-in-law looked curiously at the approaching group. His gazefixed on the young man with the well-set head who, swinging his hat inhis hand, was talking fast to Eloise of something that amused them both. Jewel apparently interrupted him and he stooped with a quick motion, and in a second she was sitting on his shoulder, shrieking in gleefulsurprise. 

Thus they approached the piazza and came close before noting that it wasoccupied. 

"Grandpa, see me!" cried Jewel delightedly. 

Bonnell met the unsmiling gaze of his host as Mr. Evringham rose, andthen caught sight of Mrs. Evringham stonily gazing from her chair. 

"Ah, how do you do?" he called laughingly. 

"Jove, he is a good looking chap!" thought the host, and Bonnell setJewel down at his feet with such velocity that Anna Belle was castheavily to earth. 

"A thousand pardons!" exclaimed Nat, catching up the doll by the skirtand restoring her. 

Jewel gave him a bright look. "_She_ knows there is no sensation inmatter, " she said scornfully. 

Poor Anna Belle! The topography of the ravine was full of hazards forher, and her seasons there were always so adventurous and full of suddenand unlooked-for bumps that her philosophy was well tested, and shemight reasonably have complained of this gratuitous blow; but she smiledon, as Jewel hugged her. Her mental poise was marvelous, whatever mightbe said of the physical. 

Eloise introduced her friend and went to her mother's side, whileBonnell shook hands with Mr. Evringham and exchanged some wordsconcerning Mr. Reeves and business matters. 

"Wide awake, " was the older man's mental comment. "Doesn't seem at allthe sort of person to be fooled about that healing business. Good eye. Good manner. Perhaps this was Ballard's handicap all the time. I guessyou're in for it, Madge. "

Nat moved to greet Mrs. Evringham, who gave him no welcoming smile. Sheleaned back listlessly, not caring what effect she produced. He seemedto her a part of the combination entered into by the Fates to thwart andannoy. 

Bonnell knew her nearly as well as Eloise did. "I'm sorry you're underthe weather, " he said sympathetically, when he had discovered that, inhis own phrase, there was "nothing doing. " "I received a letter from mymother to-day, in which she impressed upon me that she expected you bothby the middle of June. "

"My plans have changed since yesterday, Nat, " returned Mrs. Evringhamdismally. "Yes. We shall not be able to go to your mother's, as I hadhoped. Some time during the season I shall try to look in on her ofcourse. You tell her so, Nat, when you write. "

"Nonsense, nonsense, Mrs. Evringham. You don't in the least mean it, " hereturned cheerfully, with the smile and manner which she could not andwould not endure. 

"I do mean it, Nat. I tell you my plans are changed. Eloise and I may goto Europe. "

Naturally she had never thought of Europe until that moment, but thatlaughing, caressing light in Nat Bonnell's eyes was insufferable. 

"Ah, in that case, of course, " he returned, "we couldn't say a word, "and then he moved to go. 

Mr. Evringham urged the visitor to stay to dinner, but he declined andonce more shook hands. 

"Good-by, Jewel, " he said to the child. "Sunday, you know. "

"Yes indeed, I know, " she returned, an irresistible tendency to hopmoving her feet. On nearer acquaintance she had found Mr. Bonnellexhilarating. 

"Good-by, Nat, " said Eloise. 

He looked into the face on which rested a cloud. "I think you might be adegree more attentive, " he suggested. 

"How?"

"Oh--take me to the gate, for instance. "

Eloise smiled and went with him. He turned with a slight bow thatincluded the group, and they strolled down the path. 

"It's all up, Madge, " remarked Mr. Evringham, half smiling. "No usewriggling, no use staying away from the mother. Might as well yieldgracefully. I think Ballard might have been told, that's all. "

"There was nothing to tell, father! How can you be so unkind? That'sjust Nat's manner. He is used to everybody liking him, and always havinghis own way; but Eloise never--she _never_"--the speaker saw that if shecontinued, in a moment more she would be weeping, and she certainly wasnot going to weep in this company. So she contented herself byglaring toward the gate, where could be seen two figures in earnestconversation. 

"I had counted so much on Mrs. Bonnell's influence, " Eloise was saying. "What does mother mean? She knows my mind is made up as to ChristianScience. What is she afraid of?"

Bonnell caught his thumbs in his coat pockets and lifted himselfslightly on his toes. "She is afraid of me. "

"Of you?" The girl lifted surprised eyes to his and let them fall again, her grave face coloring. 

"She has always been more or less afraid of me. I'm ineligible, youknow. "

"Yes, you are, awfully, Nat, " returned Eloise earnestly. "That's whatmakes you so nice. Didn't we always have a good time together?"

"Yes, on those rare occasions when we had a chance, but Mrs. Evringhamalways suspected me. She never felt certain that I wasn't waiting foryour skirts to be lengthened and your hair to go up in order to stealyou. "

Eloise tried to look at him, but found it more comfortable to examinethe inexpressive gravel path. "But now you have something to think ofbesides girls, " she said gently. 

"Yes. Do you know, Eloise, if I had been promised the granting of onewish as I took the cars for Bel-Air, it would have been that I mightfind you convinced of the truth of Christian Science. "

She looked at him now brightly, gladly. "It is such a help to me to knowthat you are in it, " she returned. Their hands simultaneously went forthand clasped. "What shall we do about mother?"

He smiled. "That will all come right, " he returned confidently. 

"There are classes, Nat, " she said. "Have you been through one?"

"Not yet. Perhaps we could enter together. "

"Do you think so?" she returned eagerly. 

He was looking down at her still--calm, strong. 

She started. "I mustn't be late to dinner. Good-by. Sunday, Nat. "

"Not to-morrow? I want some golf. "

"Yes, go. It's a fine links. I'm sorry, but I'd better not go there forthe present. Good-by. "

She was gone, so he strolled on and out through the park, and as hewent he put two and two together, and suspected the cause of the girl'sobjection to golf. 

CHAPTER XXVI

ON WEDNESDAY EVENING

"This is my silk dress, grandpa, " said Jewel, coming out on the piazzaSunday morning. 

Mr. Evringham was sitting there reading the paper. He looked up tobehold his granddaughter standing expectantly. 

She had on the cherished frock. Her plump black legs ended in new shoes, the brim of her large hat was wreathed with daisies, snowy ribbonsfinished her well-brushed braids, while, happiest touch of all, LittleFaithful was ticking away on her breast. 

"Well, who is this bonnie lassie?" asked Mr. Evringham, viewing her. 

"It's my best one, " said Jewel, smilingly, coming close to him. 

"I should hope so. If you were anything grander I should have to put onsmoked glasses to look at you. Church, eh?" He took the brown pamphletshe carried and examined it. 

"Yes. I wish you were coming. "

"Oh, I have an important engagement at the golf club this morning. "

"Have you? Well, grandpa, I was thinking you can't play golf or ride atnight, and wouldn't you take me Wednesday evening?"

"Where to?"

"Church. "

"Heavens, child! Wednesday evening prayer meeting?" asked the broker inperturbation. 

"No. It's just lovely reading and singing and interesting stories, "replied Jewel, endeavoring to paint the picture as attractively aspossible. 

"H'm. H'm. Do you suppose Mr. Reeves goes?"

"Why, of course, " replied the child. "Scientists never stay away. "

"Then should I be considered a Scientist if I went? I still have someregard for my reputation. "

"A great many visitors go, " replied the child earnestly. Then she added, with unmistakably sincere naivete, "I don't mind leaving you in thedaytime, because we're used to it; but I was thinking it would makeme homesick, grandpa, to go away in the evening and leave you in thelibrary. "

Mr. Evringham took her little hand in his. "Have you thought, Jewel, " heasked, "how it will be when you leave me altogether?"

"I shall have mother and father then, " returned the child. 

"Yes; but whom shall I have?"

The question came curtly, and Jewel looked into the deep-set eyes insurprise. "Shall you miss me, grandpa?" she asked wonderingly. 

"Whom shall I have, I say?" he repeated. 

The child thought a minute. "Just who you had before, " she answered, slipping her arm around his neck. "There's Essex Maid, you know. "

The broker gave a short laugh. "Yes. It's lucky, isn't it?" he returned, rather bitterly. 

"Do you like to have me with you, grandpa?" pursued the child, pleased. 

"Yes; confound it, Jewel, yes. "

"Then Divine Love will fix it somehow, for I love to be with you, too. "

"You do, eh? Then I'll tell you that I received a letter from yourfather yesterday. It was a very pleasant letter, but it said they feltobliged, if they could, to stay over a little longer--two or three weekslonger. "

The child's face grew thoughtful. 

"He said they had just received your letter, and were very pleased andthankful to know that you were happy. He said it would be a businessadvantage to them to stay, but that they could come home at theappointed time if you wished it. I am to cable them to-morrow, if youdo. " Silence for a minute while Jewel thought. "Do you think you can behappy with me a little longer than you expected?"

"I do want to see mother and father very much, " returned the child, "butI'm just as happy as anything, " she added heartily, after a pause. 

Mr. Evringham had listened with surprising anxiety for the verdict. "Very well, very well, " he returned, with extra brusqueness, picking uphis newspaper. "I guess there won't be anything to prevent my goingto that meeting with you Wednesday evening, Jewel. Just once, youunderstand, once only. "

At this moment the brougham drove around to the steps, and Eloise cameout upon the piazza. She was a vision of dainty purity in her whitegown, white hat, and gloves. 

Mr. Evringham rose, lifted his hat, and going down the steps openedthe door of the carriage. "A man need not be ashamed to have these twoladies represent him at church, " he said, looking into Eloise's calmeyes. 

She smiled back at him. There was no suspicion now of sarcasm or stings. The air she breathed was wholesome and inviting. The lump had beenleavened. 

Arrived at the hall where the services were held, the girls were usheredinto good seats before the room rapidly filled. 

They saw Mr. Reeves and his family and Mr. Bonnell come in on the otherside, and the latter did not rest until he had found them and sent overa bright, quick nod. 

The platform was beautiful by a tall vase of roses at the side of thewhite reading-desk, and Eloise listened eagerly to the voices of theman and woman who alternately read the morning lesson. The peace, simplicity, and quiet of the service enthralled her. She looked over thecrowd of listening, reverent faces with wistful wonder. Nat was amongthem, _Nat_! Sometimes she glanced across at his attentive face. Nat atchurch, in the morning; thoroughly interested! She pinched her arm tomake quite certain. 

Once when they rose to sing, it was the hymn she had heard. The voicesswelled:--

 "O'er waiting harpstrings of the mind There sweeps a strain, Low, sad, and sweet, whose measures bind The power of pain. "

The girl in the white dress did not sing. She swallowed often. The voiceof the child at her side soared easily. 

 "And o'er earth's troubled, angry sea, I see Christ walk; And come to me, and tenderly, Divinely, talk. "

What a haven of promise and peace seemed this sunny, simple place ofpurity. 

 "From tired joy and grief afar, And nearer Thee, Father, where Thine own children are I love to be. "

Jewel, looking up at her companion, was surprised to see her lashes wetand her lower lip caught between her teeth. 

"What's the matter, cousin Eloise?" she whispered softly as they satdown. 

The girl tried to smile. Words were not at her command. "Gladness, " shereturned briefly; which reply caused Jewel to meditate for some time. 

They had a talk with Nat and were presented to the Reeves family afterchurch, and Eloise felt herself in an atmosphere of love. 

Jewel left the group for a private word to Zeke before her cousinshould come to enter the brougham. 'Zekiel sat bolt upright in the mostapproved style, and did not turn his face, even when the child addressedhim. 

"I've been wondering this morning, " she said, "how we can manage for youto come to church, 'Zekiel. "

"Oh, I have it six times a week, " returned the coachman. 

"But it's so lovely just to listen to them read and not have to hunt upthe places or anything. "

"I'm satisfied with my minister, " returned Zeke, almost smiling. 

Eloise and Mr. Bonnell came out to the carriage, so there was no furthertime for talk. 

The subject remained in Jewel's mind, however. On Wednesday morning, just before Mr. Evringham went to the station, the child seized him inthe hall. 

"Grandpa, don't you think it would be nice to go in the trolley car tochurch to-night?"

"To--where?" asked the broker, frowning. 

"This is the night we're going to church, you know. "

"The dev--Ah, to be sure. So we are. Well--a--what did you say? Trolleycar? Why?"

"Well, we could all go then, you know, " returned Jewel. "Cousin Eloisewants to go, but, " the child's honesty compelled her, "she wouldn't haveto go with us because it is Mr. Bonnell's last night in Bel-Air, andI heard him ask if he might come for her; but I do so want Zeke to go, grandpa!"

"Well, for the love of"--began the broker slowly. 

"Yes, Zeke is getting to understand a good deal about Christian Science. He has some claims of error that his mother knows about, and they makeher sorry, and I've been helping him and reading to him out of my books, and I do want him to go to the testimonial meeting so much. "

The child looked wistfully up into the dark eyes that rested upon her. Mr. Evringham had remarked his housekeeper's change of spirit toward thelittle girl, had wondered at the increasing and even reckless indulgenceof Anna Belle, who from being an exile in the stair closet had nowarrived at a degree of consideration and pampering which threatened toturn her head. 

"Jewel, " he said impressively, "I wish you to understand one thingdistinctly. You are not now or at any future time to try to make aChristian Scientist of Essex Maid. "

From wondering sobriety Jewel's lips broke into a gleeful smile. "Idon't have to, " she cried triumphantly. "She is one! Anyway, she hasdemonstrated everything a horse ought to!"

Mr. Evringham flung his hands over his head despairingly. "Greatheavens!" he exclaimed tragically, rushing out to the brougham, Jewel athis heels in peals of laughter. 

But they went to church in the trolley car. Eloise reached the sameplace with Mr. Bonnell, but whether she walked or drove or rode nobodyever knew, and it didn't matter much, for a full moon illumined thenight. 

Early in the evening a young man entered the hall quietly and took aback seat. It was Zeke. 

Mr. Reeves saw Jewel and her grandfather come in, and softly he smotehis knee. "She's done it!" he ejaculated mentally. He noted the broker'shaughty carriage, the half challenging glances he threw to right andleft as he proceeded up the aisle to the position of Jewel's choice. 

Mr. Reeves composed his countenance with some difficulty, and catchingthe wandering eye, gave his friend a grave bow. 

Testimonial meetings differ in point of continued interest. This provedto be a good one. The most interesting narrative of the evening was NatBonnell's. His self possession, fine presence, and good voice made moreeffective the marvelous story of his mother's resurrection to strength. He told it with dignity and directness, and Mr. Evringham was impressed. 

"What's my rheumatism to that, eh, Jewel?" he whispered, as Nat satdown. 

"Just nothing, grandpa, " replied the child. 

"You think the Creator'd consider me worth attending to, eh?"

"God doesn't know you have the rheumatism, " exclaimed Jewel with softscorn. 

"Doesn't? Well! I've always supposed He thought I needed reminding onaccount of a number of things, and so touched me up with that. I didn'tblame Him much. 

"If He knew it, it would be real, and then it couldn't be changed, "returned Jewel earnestly in the ear he bent to her. 

The broker sat up and looked down on her large hat and short legs. "Whew, but I'm a back number!" he mused. 

The next testimonial made Jewel's eyes brighten. It was given by a manwho told a story of hopeless intemperance and his family's want. Theunaffected humility and gratitude that sounded in his voice as hedescribed the changed conditions which followed his cure caused theroses to deepen in Jewel's cheeks. She wondered where Zeke was sitting. 

Altogether she was happy over the meeting, and her grandfather'sattitude was as kindly as could have been expected. 

Eloise came into her mother's room that night, beaming. 

"I wish you had come with us, " she said. "It was wonderful. "

Mrs. Evringham turned to her with a lofty air. "I have too much loyaltyto friendship to be seen in such a place, " she returned. 

"Nat said he wouldn't ask you to come down to bid him good-by, becausehe expects to come out to spend Sundays for a while. "

Mrs. Evringham looked at her daughter. All the girl's face had lacked ofvivacity and happy expression it wore now, making her radiant. 

"You could never guess the news I have for you, mother. "

Mrs. Evringham's lips tightened. "Eloise, if you will not marry the fineman who had my entire approval, it will be outrageous for you to marryan ineligible, a young fellow whose goods are all in the show window, who has not proved himself in any way. I refuse to hear your news, " shereturned impetuously. 

The girl laughed. "Do you mean Nat, dear?" she asked, her rosy facecoming close. "I'm afraid he's going to spoil himself by becomingeligible. He has been telling me a lot about the business to-night. "

"Ho! Nat Bonnell could always talk. "

Eloise's arms closed around her. "There's only one source of supply, mother. Nat has found Him. I am finding Him. We shall not want. What doyou think I have here for you? Grandfather gave it to me. " Eloise putinto her mother's hands a draft for a thousand dollars. 

Mr. Evringham appeared to lose sight of the dagger she had been seeingbefore her for days. "What is this?" she ejaculated. "A present fromfather?"

"Not at all. Some unknown man owed it to papa, and his conscience madehim pay the debt. It came in grandfather's evening mail, and he has onlyjust opened it. "

Mrs. Evringham examined the paper eagerly. 

"How wonderful!" she exclaimed. 

"How natural, " returned Eloise. "That is the wonderful part of it. "

CHAPTER XXVII

A REALIZED HOPE

One afternoon Mr. Evringham did not return from the city at the usualtime. Jewel, watching for him, was surprised after a while to see himwalking up from the gate. 

"Why, what's happened?" she asked. "Zeke went for you. "

"Yes; but he found he had to leave Dick to be shod. "

"Then are you going to saddle Essex Maid yourself? Oh, can I see you doit, grandpa?" She hopped with anticipation. 

"I don't know that I'll ride just now. It's an excellent day forwalking. It seems rather strange to me, Jewel, that you've never shownme the Ravine of Happiness. You talk a good deal about it. "

"Oh, would you like to come?" cried the child, flushing. "Good! I havethe pond all fixed in Anna Belle's garden, and the ferns droop over itjust like a fairy story. "

"Have you put up a sign for the fairies to keep out?"

"No--o, " returned Jewel, drawing in her chin and smiling. 

"Oh well, you may be sure they're at it, then, every moonlight night. They haven't a particle of respect, you know, for anything. If I were inAnna Belle's place, I should put up a sign, 'Private Grounds. '"

"Oh, she's so unselfish she wouldn't. If they only won't break theflowers she won't care, " returned the child, entering into the fancywith zest. 

Mr. Evringham took the doll from her arms, and carrying it up the stepsdeposited it in the piazza chair. 

"Isn't she going?" asked Jewel soberly. 

"No, not this time. She doesn't care, she's been there so much. Just seehow cheerful and comfortable she looks!"

There was, indeed, a smile of almost cloying sweetness on Anna Belle'scountenance, and she seemed to be seeing pleasing visions. 

"I never saw such a good child!" said Jewel with an admiring sigh; thenshe put her hand in her grandfather's and they strolled out into thepark and up the shady road. Just before reaching the bend around whichlay the gorge, Mr. Evringham surprised his companion by breaking in uponher lively chatter with a tune which he whistled loudly. 

It was such an unusual ebullition that Jewel looked up at him. "Why, grandpa, I never heard you whistle before, " she said. 

"You didn't? That's because you never before saw me out on a lark. Itell you, I'm a gay one when I get started, " and forthwith there burstagain from his lips a gay refrain, that sounded shrilly up the leafypath. They rounded the bend in the road, and the broker looked down intothe eyes that were bent upon him in admiration. 

"You whistle almost as well as Mr. Bonnell, " said the child. 

"Give me time and I dare say I shall beat him out, " was the swaggeringresponse. "Ah, here's your ravine, is it?"

"Yes, that's"--began Jewel, and went no further. 

A couple of rods from where she suddenly came to a standstill was anobject which for a moment rooted her to the spot. A small horse, blackas jet, with a white star in his forehead and a flowing, wavy mane andtail, stood by the roadside. His coat, gleaming like satin, set off thepure white leather of his trappings. On his back was fastened a sidesaddle, and he was tethered to the rail of the light fence. 

Mr. Evringham appeared not to see him. He was looking down the rocks andgrass of the steep incline. 

"Is there any sort of a path?" he asked, "or do you descend it as youwould a cellar door? I think you might have told me, so I could changethese light trousers. "

"Grandpa!" exclaimed Jewel in a hushed tone, pointing before her. "Seethat horse--just like the coal black steed the princess rides in a fairystory. "

"Why, that's so. He is a beauty. Where do you suppose the princess is?"

"She's probably gone down the ravine, " returned the child, her feetdrawn forward as if by a magnet. "Let's not go down yet. "

The broker allowed himself to be led close to the pony, who turned hisfull bright eyes upon the pair curiously. 

"Do you think I might touch him, grandpa?" asked the child, still in thehushed voice. 

"If he's a fairy horse he might vanish, " returned Mr. Evringham. "Let'ssee how he stands it. " So saying he gave the shining flank some sturdylove pats. "Oh, he's all right. He's good substantial flesh and blood. "

"But the lady, " said Jewel, looking about, the pupils of her eyesdilated with excitement. 

"Oh, I don't think a very big lady has been riding in that saddle. Youcan do as you'd be done by, I fancy. "

Upon this Jewel stroked the pony over and over lovingly, and he nosedabout her in a friendly way. 

"Grandpa, see him, see him! And oh grandpa, see his beautiful star, white as a snowflake!"

"Well, upon my word, if this isn't lucky, " remarked Mr. Evringham. "Hereis some sugar in my pocket, now. " He passed some lumps to the child. 

"Would it be right?" she asked, glancing down the ravine. "Had I betterwait till the girl comes up?"

"She won't mind, I'll wager, " returned Mr. Evringham; so the child, thus encouraged, fed the coal black steed, who, for all his poeticalappearance, had evidently a strongly developed sweet tooth. 

"Hello, what's this!" exclaimed the broker, stepping to the fence andtaking up something black and folded. When he shook it out, it proved tobe a child's riding skirt. 

"She's left it there, " said Jewel eagerly. "We ought not to touch it. It's very hard on clothes going down the ravine, and she's left itthere. Don't you think, grandpa, you _ought_ to put it back?" for to hergreat surprise her punctilious and particular relative was shaking thefine skirt about recklessly and examining it. 

"Here's a name, " he said, bringing his prize to Jewel and showing her anoblong bit of white cloth, much as tailors use inside dresses. "What doyou make of it?"

The child, disturbed by such daring, and dreading to see the owner ofthese splendid possessions scramble up the bank, looked reluctantly. 

The name was a long one, but so familiar that she recognized it at once. "Evringham. "

She lifted her eyes to her grandfather. "It's the same as ours. "

"There isn't another Evringham in Bel-Air, " returned the broker. "Thefairies dropped this for you, I guess, Jewel. It certainly won't fit me. Let's try it on. "

He slipped it over the head of the dazed child and hooked it around herwaist. 

"'It fitted her exactly, '" murmured Jewel. "They always say so in fairystories. 

"Look here, " said her grandfather. He put his hand into the stirrup anddrew out a folded bit of paper. He handed it to the child, who began towonder if she was dreaming. 

DEAR JEWEL (she read), --I believe you expected Divine Love to send you ahorse. I have come to belong to you, and my name is STAR. 

It was astonishing what a large, round penmanship the pony possessed. There was no possibility of mistaking a word. 

Jewel read the note over twice as she stood there, the long, scantskirt, making her look tall. Mr. Evringham stood watching her. His partin the comedy was played. He waited. 

She looked up at him with eyes that seemed trying to comprehend a facttoo large. 

"Grandpa, have you given me this horse?" she asked solemnly, and hecould see her hands beginning to tremble. 

"Oh, am _I_ to get some credit for this?" returned the broker, smilingand twisting his mustache. "I didn't expect that. "

He knew her lack of motion would not last long, and was bracing himselffor the attack when, to his surprise, she pulled up the impeding skirtand made a rush, not for him, but for the pony. Hiding her face on thecreature's satin shoulder, she flung her arm around his throat, andseizing his rippling mane, sobbed as if her heart would break. 

Mr. Evringham had not spent weeks in selecting and testing a horse forhis granddaughter without choosing one whose nervous system would beproof against sudden assaults of affection; but this onslaught was soenergetic that the pony tossed his head and backed to the end of histether. 

His new mistress stumbled after him, her face still hidden. She wastrying heroically to stifle the sobs that were shaking her from head tofoot. 

"Jewel, Jewel, child!" ejaculated her grandfather, much dismayed. "Come, come, what's this?"

He drew her with a strong hand, and she deserted the pony, much to thelatter's relief, and clasping Mr. Evringham as high up as she couldreach, began bedewing his vest buttons with her tears. 

"Oh, gra--grandpa, I c--can't have him!" she sobbed. "There isn't anyroo--room for him in our--our fla--fla--flat!"

"Well, did you expect to keep him in the flat?" inquired Mr. Evringham, stooping tenderly, his own eyes shining suspiciously, as he put his armsaround the little shaking form. 

"N--no; but we--we haven't any bar--barn. "

The broker smiled above the voluminous, quivering bows. 

"Well, hasn't some good livery man in your neighborhood a stable?"

"Ye--yes. " Jewel made greater efforts to stop crying. "But I--I talkedwith mo--mother once about cou--could I ha--have a horse sometime beforeI grew up, and she said she might buy the horse, but it would cost somuch--much money every week to board it, it would be error. "

Mr. Evringham patted the heaving shoulder. 

"Ah, but you don't know yet all about your horse. In some respects I'venever seen a pony like him. "

"I--I never have, " returned the child. 

"Oh, but you'll be surprised at _this_. This pony has a bank account. "

Jewel slowly grew quiet. 

"Nobody has to pay for _his_ board and clothes. He is very independent. He would have it that way. "

"Grandpa!" came in muffled tones from the broker's vest. 

"So don't you think you'd better cheer up and look at him once more, andtell him you won't cry on his shoulder very often?"

In a minute Jewel looked up, revealing her swollen eyes. "I'm ashamed, "she said softly, "but he was--so--be--_autiful_--I forgot to remember. "

"Well, I guess you did forget to remember, " returned Mr. Evringham, shaking his head and leading the child to her pony's side. 

He lifted her into the saddle and arranged her skirt, brushing away thedust. 

"Grandpa!" she exclaimed softly, with a long, quivering sigh, "I'm so_happy_!"

"Have you ever ridden, Jewel?"

"Oh, yes, a thousand times, " she answered quickly; "but not on a realhorse, " she added as an afterthought. 

"H'm. That might make a difference. " Mr. Evringham loosed the ponyand put the white bridle in the child's hands; then he led the prettycreature down the woodland road. 

"I'm _so_ happy, " repeated Jewel. "What will mother and father say!"

"You'll be a regular circus rider by the time they come home. "

As the broker spoke these words Zeke appeared around the bend in theroad, riding Essex Maid. His face was alight with interest in the sightthat met him. 

Jewel called to him radiantly. "Oh, Zeke, what do you think?"

"I think it's great, " he responded. "Hello, little kid, " he said, as hecame nearer and perceived the signs in the child's face. "Pony do anyharm, Mr. Evringham?" he asked with respectful concern. 

"No; Jewel cried a little, but it was only because I told her she couldnot sleep nights in Star's manger. "

The child gave one look of astonishment at the speaker's gravecountenance, and then shouted with a laugh as spontaneous as though notear had ever fallen from her shining eyes. 

"See Essex Maid look at my pony, grandpa!" she said joyously. "She looksso proud and stuck _up_. "

"Look away, my lady, " said the broker. "You'll see a great deal more ofthis young spring before you see less. "

Zeke dismounted. 

"Now then, " Mr. Evringham looked up at the child. "I'm going to let goyour bridle. "

"I want you to, " she answered gayly. 

Mr. Evringham mounted his horse. "We'll take a sedate walk through thewoods, " he said. "Zeke, you might lead her a little way. "

"No, no, _please_, " begged the child. "I know how to ride. I _do_. "

"Well, let her go then, " smiled the broker, and Essex Maid trottedslowly, noting with haughty bright eyes the little black companion, who might have stepped out of a picture book, but whose easy canter wastossing Jewel at every step. 

"I haven't--any--whip!" The words were bounced out of the child's lips, and Mr. Evringham's laugh resounded along the avenue. 

"I believe she'd use it, " he said to Zeke, who was running along besidethe black pony. 

"I guess she would, sir, " grinned the young fellow responsively. 

It was not many days before Jewel had learned to stay in the saddle. Shehad an efficient teacher who worked with her _con amore_, and the sightof the erect, gray-haired man on his famous mare, always accompaniedby the rosy little girl on a black pony, came to be a familiar sight inBel-Air, and one which people always turned to follow with their eyes. 

Eloise had her talk with Mr. Evringham one evening when Jewel wasexcluded from the library, and she emerged from the interview with amore contented heart than she had known for a year. 

She endeavored to convey the situation to her mother in detail, but whenthat lady had learned that there were no happy surprises, she declinedto listen. 

"Tastes differ, Eloise, " she said. "I am one who believes that whereignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise. " Mrs. Evringham had regained aquite light-hearted appearance in the interest of expending a portion ofher windfall on her own and Eloise's summer wardrobe. 

"Well, you shan't be bothered then, " returned her daughter. "You have meto take care of our money matters. "

"I prefer to let father do it, " returned Mrs. Evringham decidedly. "Heis a changed being of late, and we are as well situated as we could hopeto be. I don't feel quite satisfied with the lining of the brougham, butsome day I mean to speak of it. "

Eloise threw up both hands, but she laughed. She and her grandfather hadan excellent understanding, and she knew that the mills of the gods wereabout to grind. 

One evening the broker called his daughter-in-law into the library. 

"I hope it isn't on business, " she remarked flippantly as she entered. "I tell you right at the start, father, I can't understand it. " Her eyeswandered about the room curiously. It was strange to her. She took up awoman's picture from the desk. "Who is this?" she asked. 

"How do you like the face?" he returned. 

The dark eyes and sweet mouth looked back at her. She frowned slightly. She did not like the situation in which she had found the photograph. Itwas far too intimate for a stranger, and made her a little nervous. 

"If he is going to marry again, then good-by indeed!" she thought. 

"I think it is rather sentimental, " she returned, with an air ofengaging candor, "don't you? Just my first impression, you know; butit's a face I shouldn't trust. Who is it?"

"It is Jewel's mother, " returned the broker quietly, "my daughter Julia. Jewel brought it down last night, also a lot of little letters hermother had put in the pockets of the child's dresses when she packedthem. "

"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringham triumphantly. "Didn't I say she wassentimental? About that sort of thing my perceptions are always sokeen. "

"H'm. I read the letters, and I judged from them that one can trust her. Will you be seated?" He placed a chair. "I should like to ask your plansfor the summer. "

Mrs. Evringham looked up quickly, startled. "Oh, I haven't any. Haveyou?"

"Yes. I always seek some cool spot. You have an invitation to ViewPoint, I understand. You could scarcely do better. "

"I have reasons, father, " impressively, "reasons for declining that. "

"Then where are you going?"

"I would just as lief stay here and take care of your house as not, "declared the lady magnanimously. 

"Ha! Without any servants?"

"Why, what do you mean?"

"They are going away for a vacation. I am intending to have the housewired, and Mrs. Forbes and Zeke will hold sway in the barn. She doesn'twish to leave him. "

Mrs. Evringham was silenced and dismayed. She felt herself being firmlyand inexorably pushed out of this well-lined nest. 

Her eyes fell before the impenetrable ones regarding her. 

"How did Jewel ever win him?" she thought. The picturesque pony, withhis arched neck and expensive trappings, had outraged her feelings fordays. 

"About the View Point plan, " continued Mr. Evringham deliberately. "I think there are influences waiting for you there that will be ofbenefit. There is a new philosophy percolating in these days through ourworldly rubbish which you and I would be the better for grasping. Yourchances are better than mine, for you are young still. Your daughter isexpanding like a flower already, in the first rays of her understandingof it. This young man whom you fancy you can avoid is a help to her. Mr. Reeves was talking to me about him last night. He says that so far ashis business is concerned, young Bonnell is proving the square peg inthe square hole. I don't know what Eloise's sentiments are toward him, but I do know that she shall be independent of any one's financial helpbut mine. "

Mrs. Evringham lifted her eyes hopefully. 

"I shall eke out the little income which is left to you with sufficientfor you to live--not as you have done--but comfortably. "

The eager light faded from his listener's eyes. 

"Eloise and I have arranged that, " he continued, "and she is satisfied. Take my advice, Madge. Go to View Point. "

"I suppose Eloise doesn't need horses so long as Jewel has them, " saidMrs. Evringham rising. 

Her host followed her example. "She thinks not, " he returned concisely;then he opened the library door, and his daughter-in-law swept from hispresence with all the dignity she could muster. 

CHAPTER XXVIII

AT TWILIGHT

It was Sunday, and Mr. Bonnell was dining at Bel-Air Park. Had Jewelthought of it, she might have contrasted the expression of Mrs. Forbes'sface as she waited at table this evening with the look it wore on theday she first arrived; might have noted the cheerful flow of talk whichenlivened the board, in distinction from the stiff silence or bitterrepartee which once chilled her. As she responded to the smiles hoveringnow about Eloise's lovely lips, she might have remembered the oncesombre sadness of those eyes. Even Mrs. Evringham had buriedthe Macbethian dagger, and wore the meek and patient air of onemisunderstood; but nothing would have amazed the child so much as to betold that she had had anything to do with this metamorphosis. 

Anna Belle, --deserted often now, perforce, on account of the pony, whose life was a strenuous one, owing to the variety of Jewel'sattentions, --Anna Belle was petted with extra fondness when her turncame; and she sat at table now in a pleasing trance, her smile animpartial benediction upon all. 

It had been a glorious June day, the park was at its best. After dinnerthe family strolled out toward the piazza. 

Mrs. Forbes had attended her own Baptist church that morning, and thefamiliar Sunday-school tune that the children sang floated through hermind as she looked after the group. 

 "When He cometh, when He cometh, To make up His jewels, All His pure ones, all His bright ones, His loved and His own. 

 "Little children, little children, Who love their Redeemer, Are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own. "

"What is Mr. Evringham going to do without that child?" she thought. 

The broker was invaded with the same problem as Jewel lingered withhim on the piazza, while the others walked on toward a seat beneath aspreading maple. 

He ensconced himself in his favorite chair. The thrushes were singingvespers. The pure air was faintly and deliciously scented. 

"Grandpa, is it too late to bring Star out for a nibble?" asked thelittle girl wistfully. 

"No, I guess not, " returned the broker as he opened his cigar case. "Star may have a short life, but he's certainly experiencing a merryone. There's no moss gathering on that pony. "

Jewel had not waited for more than the permission. She was fleeingtoward the barn. 

Mr. Evringham lighted his cigar, and then his eye fell upon the doll, too hastily set down, and fallen at a distressing angle. Her eyes wereclosed as if her sensibilities had been shocked overmuch. 

"Anna Belle, Anna Belle, has it come to this!" he murmured, pickingup the neglected one, who, with her usual elasticity and exuberanceof spirit, at once opened her eyes and beamed optimistically on herrescuer. He set her, facing him, on his knee. "Such is youth!" hesighed. "When she throws you down, I feel that I'm not going to beso recuperative as you, Anna Belle. I have a plan, however, a plan ofself-defense; but if it weren't for your discretion, I shouldn't tell itto you, for I'm an old bird, young lady, and can't be caught with chaff. There are many worthy persons who may rise to lofty heights in eternity, who nevertheless, meanwhile are not desirable to sit opposite a man athis breakfast table. A visit, Anna Belle, a short visit from my daughterJulia is all I shall ask for at first, and I shall test her, test her, my dear. I'll look at her through a magnifying glass. Of course, ifthey'd give me Jewel, it would be all I'd ask for; but they won't. Thatis self-evident. "

Here the child came around the corner of the house, leading her pet by ahalter, but with her hand in his mane as she pressed close to his side, caressing and talking to him. In fact it was the harassing problem ofthe pony's life to manage to avoid stepping on her. Zeke lounged in thebackground on account equally of his orders and his inclination. 

Star began cropping the grass, and Mr. Evringham continued hisdisquisition to the bright-eyed young person on his knee:--

"My son Harry is turning out a pretty good sort, I fancy. I'm notparticularly shy of giving him a trial, provided he'll do the same byme; but I suppose he will have to go West at first, anyway. Julia is adifferent thing. I can't whistle her on and off with the same frankness;and I must be careful, Anna Belle. Do you understand? Careful! And I'mgoing to be, by Jove, in spite of the way it makes me cringe to thinkof this big house, empty as a drum. It wasn't empty before, that's themischief of it. What has happened to me? I thought things were wellenough in those days. Nobody whom I knew was particularly happy. Whyshould I be?"

The thrushes stopped, for Jewel's childish voice floated out on theevening air. 

Mr. Evringham knew what had happened. He knew that Zeke had asked her tosing. They two were sitting on the ground, while the pony cropped awayat the sweet grass. 

 "From tired joy and grief afar, And nearer Thee, Father, where Thine own children are I love to be!"

The broker listened for a minute. 

"I'll take Jewel and her mother to the seashore somewhere; for I mustleave the house, if only to let Madge down easily, and too, I wish tostudy Julia outside her atmosphere. Poor Madge, she's a light weight, but I think there are better times coming for her. At View Point she'llfind friends. "

Time passed, and at last Mr. Evringham called, "That will do, Jewel. "

"Do you want Star to go in?" she returned. 

The broker nodded, and the child sprang up and began patting andsmoothing the little horse with energetic affection. 

"It's your bedtime, Star, " she said, "but morning's coming. " She kissedhis sleek shoulder. "We'll have such a good time in the morning. I don'tbounce a bit now, do I, Zeke?" she asked, turning to him. 

"Well, I guess not, " returned Zeke scornfully. "You ain't the kind thatgets bounced after a fellow knows you, " he added, smiling. He took thepony's halter. "Good-night, Jewel. "

"Good-night, Zeke. " She ran across the lawn and up the piazza steps. "How kind of you, grandpa, to amuse Anna Belle!" she exclaimedgratefully, observing the doll on his knee. At the same time she mostabruptly whisked that patient person into a neighboring chair andusurped her place. Cuddling down in her grandfather's arms, she nestledher head against his shoulder and sighed happily. 

The light began to fade, the last smoke from the broker's cigar curledout into the summer air. He tossed it away and pressed the child moreclosely to him. 

"Sing once again the song you sang for Zeke. " he said. 

And she began softly in her true, clear voice:--

 "From tired joy and grief afar, And nearer Thee, Father, where Thine own children are I love to be!"

"Amen, " breathed Mr. Evringham.