together?"

"Yes, on those rare occasions when we had a chance, but Mrs. Evringham
always suspected me. She never felt certain that I wasn't waiting for
your skirts to be lengthened and your hair to go up in order to steal
you."

Eloise tried to look at him, but found it more comfortable to examine
the inexpressive gravel path. "But now you have something to think of
besides girls," she said gently.

"Yes. Do you know, Eloise, if I had been promised the granting of one
wish as I took the cars for Bel-Air, it would have been that I might
find you convinced of the truth of Christian Science."

She looked at him now brightly, gladly. "It is such a help to me to know
that you are in it," she returned. Their hands simultaneously went forth
and 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 for
the present. Good-by."

She was gone, so he strolled on and out through the park, and as he
went he put two and two together, and suspected the cause of the girl's
objection to golf.

CHAPTER XXVI

ON WEDNESDAY EVENING

"This is my silk dress, grandpa," said Jewel, coming out on the piazza
Sunday morning.

Mr. Evringham was sitting there reading the paper. He looked up to
behold 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 ribbons
finished her well-brushed braids, while, happiest touch of all, Little
Faithful 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 on
smoked glasses to look at you. Church, eh?" He took the brown pamphlet
she 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 at
night, and wouldn't you take me Wedn