l."

"Dear me, am I really going to _do_ it?" asked Julia incredulously.

"Certainly you are. We'd be imbecile not to accept such an opportunity."

"Then," she answered resignedly, "if it is fact and not a wild fancy, we
have a lot of business to talk over, Harry. Let us make the most of our
time while Jewel is asleep."

She led the way back to the chairs, and they were soon immersed in
memoranda and discussion.

CHAPTER V

THE LIFTED VEIL

At last their plans were reduced to order and Harry placed the papers
carefully in his pocket.

"Come in and let's have a look at the house, Julia," he suggested. "It
won't do to go to the stables without Jewel."

They entered the drawing-room and Julia moved about admiring the pictures
and carvings, and paused long before the oil portrait of a beautiful woman,
conspicuously placed.

"That's my grandmother," remarked Harry. "Isn't she stunning? That's the
side of the family I didn't take after."

While they still examined the portrait and the exquisite painting of its
laces, Jewel ran into the room and seized them from behind.

"Well, well, all dressed!" exclaimed her father as the two stooped to kiss
her.

"Yes, but my hair isn't very nice," said the child, putting up her hand to
her braids, "because I didn't want to be late to breakfast."

Her father's hearty laugh rang out. "Lunch, do you mean?"

"We're through breakfast long ago, dearie," said her mother. "No wonder you
slept late. We wanted you to."

"Breakfast's all through!" exclaimed the child, and they were surprised at
her dismay.

"Yes, but Mrs. Forbes will get you something," said her father.

"But has grandpa gone?" asked the child. Before they could reply the
housekeeper passed the door and Jewel ran to her. "Has grandpa gone, Mrs.
Forbes?" she repeated anxiously.

"Yes, indeed, it's after ten. Come into the dining-room, Jewel; Sarah will
give you your breakfast."

"I'm not a bit hungry--yes, I am, a little--but what is grandpa's telephone
number, Mrs. Forbes."

"Oh, now, you won't call him up, dear," said the housekeeper coaxingly.
"Come and eat your breakfast like a good girl."

"Yes, in just one minute I will. What is the number, please, Mrs. Forbes?"

The housekeeper gave the number, and Harry and Julia drew nearer.

"Your grandpa is coming out early, Jewel," said her father. "You'll see him
in a few hours, and you can ask him whatever you wish to then."

"She never has called