and hurried into the white tiled bathroom near by. While she let the
water run into the tub she put her hand into her pocket mechanically, in
search of a handkerchief, and when she felt the crisp touch of paper she
drew it out eagerly. It was covered, and she read the words written in
her mother's distinct hand.

"Love to my Jewel. Is she making a stepping-stone of every trial, and
learning to think less and less about herself, and more and more about
other people? And does she remember that little girls cannot always
understand the error that grown-up people have to meet, especially those
who have not Science to help them? They must be treated very gently, and
I hope my little Jewel will be always kind and patient, and make her new
friends 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 in
silence. Finally, changing her wrapper for her nightdress, she climbed
into bed, where she lay thinking and looking at the sunlight on the
wall.

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 too
bad you're not well."

"I am well, thank you," replied Jewel. "I'm sorry you had to carry that
heavy tray up so many stairs."

"Oh, I don't mind that," returned the girl good-naturedly. "I'll set it
right here by the bed."

"Is grandpa down there?" asked Jewel wistfully.

"Yes, Miss Julia. They're all eating their dinner. I hope you'll enjoy
yours."

Sarah went away, and the little girl spread some bread and butter and
ate 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 and
got wet in the brook."

"Ah, indeed!" Mr. Evringham frowned and looked down. He had been a
little disappointed that the bright face was not watching to see him
come 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 usual
to-night. He felt vaguely that he now had an ally of his own flesh and
blood in the house, a spirit sufficiently kindred to prefer his society
to theirs, and this made him unusually lenient.

He meant to go upstairs a