before going downstairs.

"Do you know, I can't help feeling a bit relieved," laughed Julia softly,
"that she won't go down with us. The little thing is rather thoughtless
with her grandfather, and though he has evidently schooled himself to
endure her energetic ways, I can't help feeling a bit anxious all the time.
He has borne it so well this long that I want to get her away before she
breaks the camel's back. When do you think we can go, Harry?"

"To-morrow or next day. You might get things packed to-day. I really ought
to go, but I don't want to seem in a hurry."

"Oh, yes, do let us go to-morrow," returned Julia eagerly.

The Westminster clock on the stairs chimed as they passed down, and Mr.
Evringham was waiting for them in the dining-room. As he said good-morning
he looked beyond them, expectantly.

Mrs. Forbes greeted them respectfully and indicated their seats.

"Where is Jewel?" asked the host.

"In dreamland. You couldn't waken her with a volley of artillery," returned
Harry cheerfully.

"H'm," returned his father.

They all took their places at the table and Julia remarked on the charming
outlook from the windows.

"Yes," returned the host. "I'm sorry I can't stay at home this morning and
do the honors of the park. I shall leave that to Harry and Jewel. As we
were rather late last night I didn't take my canter this morning. If you
wish to have a turn on the mare, Harry, Zeke knows that the stables are in
your hands. No one but myself rides Essex Maid, but I'll make a shining
exception of you."

"I appreciate the honor," returned Harry lightly, but as a matter of fact
he did not at all grasp its extent.

"If you'd like to take your wife for a drive there's the Spider. The child
will want to show you her pony and will probably get you off on some
excursion. Tell her there is time enough and not to make you do two days'
work in one."

After breakfast the trio adjourned to the piazza and Julia looked out on
the thick, dewy grass and spreading trees.

"I believe the park improves, father," said Harry, smiling as he noted his
wife's delight in the charming landscape.

Deep armchairs and tables, rugs and a wicker divan furnished a portion of
the piazza. "How will little Jewel like the apartment after this?" Julia
could not help asking herself the question mentally. She no longer wondered
at the child's content here, even without the companionship of other
children. It must be an unimaginative li