t, and so mother put it in my trunk with my
Christian Science books. I can bring it over and read it to you, if you
want me to. You'd like it, I know, Miss Fletcher."

"Aunt Hazel told me you were a Christian Scientist," said Flossie. "I never
saw one before, but people have talked to mother about it."

"I could bring _those_ books over, too," replied Hazel wistfully, "and we
could read the lesson every day, and perhaps it would make you feel
better."

"I don't know what it's about," said Flossie.

"It's about making sick people well and sinful people good."

"I'm sinful, too, part of the time," answered Flossie. "Sometimes I don't
like to live, and I wish I didn't have to, and everybody says that's
sinful."

Sudden tears started to Miss Fletcher's eyes, and as the little girls were
looking at one another absorbedly, Hazel standing close to the wheeled
chair, she stole away, unobserved, to the house.

"She ought to be cured," she said to herself excitedly. "She ought to be
cured. There's that one more chance, anyway. I've got to where I'm ready to
let the babes and sucklings have a try!"

CHAPTER IX

THE QUEST FLOWER (_Continued_)

The next morning was rainy, and Jewel and her grandfather visited the
stable instead of taking their canter.

"And what will you do this dismal day?" asked the broker of his
daughter-in-law as they stood alone for a minute after breakfast, Jewel
having run upstairs to get Anna Belle for the drive to the station.

"This happy day," she answered, lifting to him the radiant face that he was
always mentally contrasting with Madge. "The rain will give me a chance to
look at the many treasures you have here, books and pictures."

"H'm. You are musical, I know, for Jewel has the voice of a lark. Do you
play the piano?"

Julia looked wistfully at the Steinway grand. "Ah, if I only could!" she
returned.

Mr. Evringham cleared his throat. "Madam," he said, lowering his voice,
"that child has a most amazing talent."

"Jewel's voice, do you mean?"

"She'll sing, I'm sure of it," he replied, "but I mean for music in
general. Eloise is an accomplished pianist. She has one piece that Jewel
especially enjoyed, the old Spring Song of Mendelssohn. Probably you know
it."

Julia shook her head. "I doubt it. I've heard very little good piano
playing."

"Well, madam, that child has picked out the melody of that piece by
herself," the broker lowered his voice to still deeper impress