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That's what she's done, single handed, in two months, and she has no more conceit of her work than a ray of God's sunshine has when it's opening a flower bud." Julia Evringham's gaze was fixed intently upon the speaker, and she was unconscious that two tears rolled down her cheeks. "You've made us very happy, telling us this," she said, rather breathlessly, as the housekeeper paused.
Evringham's listeners thanked her, then discussed the story a few minutes. "I'd like to get acquainted with Alma," said Jewel, "and help be kind to her." "Oh, she's going to have a very good time now," replied Mr. Evringham. "One can see that with half an eye. Were there any Almas where you went to school, Jewel?" "No, there weren't. We didn't bring lunches and we went home in a 'bus."
Evringham's pleasure showed in his usually impassive face. "Well, isn't it a good thing then that nothing is?" he replied, and he kissed her. When evening came and put a period to that memorable birthday, Topaz was a dog of experiences. If he was a happy discovery to Jewel, she was none the less one to him.
"It's wonderful, the fancy that child has taken to me and mine," she thought. "Well, folks must be humored when they're sick," she replied. "Let me see," looking at the little clock, "yes, Mr. Evringham's missed the second train. There'll be five or ten minutes yet, and 'Zekiel's got to wait anyway. I guess he can come up and see you." "Oh, thank you, Mrs. Forbes!" returned Jewel.
There was a hint of violets clinging to the fresh white garments that brushed 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 that you would be surprised at anything mother or I might ask of you," she continued bravely, "but I have suffered, I'm sure, as much as you have during the last two months."
"I should like you to come with me into my study, Jewel, for a few minutes." 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 to the 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.
She tried to avoid them for a minute and then sat up. "Father, will you change places with me?" she asked sleepily. "I want to sit by grandpa." Mrs. Evringham's eyes widened, and in spite of her earnest "Dearie!" the transfer was made and Jewel crept under Mr. Evringham's arm, which closed naturally around her. She leaned against him and shut her eyes. "You mustn't go to sleep," he said.
"I don't believe I could, child," said aunt Madge, glancing with amusement at the striped bag. "Keep them for yourself." "You'll have some, won't you, Mrs. Forbes?" asked Jewel, and the housekeeper so strongly disapproved of Mrs. Evringham's manner that she accepted. "Perhaps you would like to try some of our candy, Julia," said Mrs. Evringham, as the child followed her aunt and cousin upstairs.
Evringham's laugh resounded along the avenue. "I believe she'd use it," he said to Zeke, who was running along beside the 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.
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 change your dress for dinner. He will be coming home in a few minutes." "Oh, good!" exclaimed Jewel with satisfaction, and passed into the house. Mrs.
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