a friend of theirs, you know."

"Yes, but I think cousin Eloise would be glad if she thought you liked
her playing. It's very beautiful, isn't it, grandpa?"

"Yes, I dare say. Then, besides, I'm not at all sure that Mrs. Evringham
would permit me to smoke in the drawing-room."

"But wouldn't it be nice to go in there just a few minutes before you go
to your study? I love to hear cousin Eloise play, but I like to be with
you, grandpa."

Mr. Evringham was in a yielding state of mind. He allowed the pressure
of the child's hand on his to lead him to the drawing-room, where his
entrance 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 so
behold 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 with
concern.

"Yes." Mr. Evringham seated himself. "A sharp attack, but short. She
was relieved before we could get Busby here." The speaker contracted his
eyebrows and looked at the child, who was still beside him. "The mare
had 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 in
peace? We doctors shall have to form a union and manage to get you
boycotted."

The child smiled back at him, her head a little on one side, as her
manner 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 coffee
from 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 her
grandfather, but she protested that she was not.

"How is Anna Belle?" asked Dr. Ballard. "It's a long time since I saw
her."

"Would you like to?" asked Jewel doubtfully.

"Why--of--course!--if she's still up. Don't have her dress on my
account."

"She doesn't go to bed till I do," responded the child. "I know
she'd love to come down!" In a flash she had boun