tainty 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 am
kindness itself inside. Let us admit it for convenience now, and see if
you 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 what
it is; to have you help me, _you_; to have you tell me how we can
live independently, and help me to make mother agree to it. Oh, if you
would--if you _could_ be my friend, grandfather. I need you so!"

Mr. Evringham received this impetuous outburst without change of
countenance. "How about Ballard?" he said. "I thought he was going to
settle all this."

There was silence in the brougham. The flash of hurt in the girl's eyes
was quenched by quick tears. Her companion reddened under the look of
surprise she bent upon him, her lovely lips unsteady.

"No offense," he added hastily. "Ballard's sentiments are evident
enough, and he is a fine fellow."

Eloise controlled herself. "Will you take the trouble to explain our
affairs to me?" she asked.

"Certainly," responded Mr. Evringham quickly. "I wish for your sake
there 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 nearly
settled, and what there is left is small indeed." The speaker cast a
quick glance at the girl beside him. She had caught her lip between
her teeth. Jewel's soft voice sounded in his ears. "Cousin Eloise feels
sorry because she isn't your real relation." An inkling of what the girl
might suffer came to him.

"Your mother and you have a claim upon me," he went on. "I should
certainly feel a responsibility of all my son's debts, and the one to
his wife and daughter in particular. I will try to make the situation
easier for you in some way."

"Manage for us to go away, grandfather. Haven't you a little house
somewhere?"

The beseeching in her tone surprised Mr. Evringham still more. What did
the girl mean? Didn't she intend to marry Ballard? He had believed her
to be planning to preside in the Mountain Avenue mansion.

"Yes, it can be arranged, certainly," he answered vaguely; "but there's
no hurry, Eloise," he adde