Mr. Evringham up, sir," said the housekeeper. "He
speaks to _her_ sometimes. You know, Jewel, your grandfather doesn't like
to be disturbed in his business and called to the 'phone unless it is
something very important."

"It is," returned the child, and she ran to the part of the hall where the
instrument was situated. Her mother and father followed, the former feeling
that she ought to interfere, but the latter amused and curious.

"My little girl," began Julia, in protest, but Harry put his hand on her
arm and detained her. Jewel was evidently filled with one idea and deaf to
all else. With her usual energy she took down the receiver and made her
request to the central office. Harry drew his wife to where they could
watch her absorbed, rosy face. Her listening expression was anxiously
intent. Mrs. Forbes also lingered at a little distance, enjoying the
parents' interest and sharing it.

"Is that you, grandpa?" asked the sweet voice.

"Oh, well, I want to see Mr. Evringham."

"What? No. I'm sorry, but nobody will do but grandpa. You tell him it's
Jewel, please."

"What? I thought I _did_ speak plain. It's _Jewel_; his little grandchild."

The little girl smiled at the next response. "Yes, I'm the very one that
ate the Nesselrode pudding," she said, and chuckled into the 'phone.

By this time even Julia had given up all thought of interfering, and was
watching, curiously, the round head with its untidy blond hair.

Jewel spoke again. "I'm sorry I can't tell you the business, but it's
_very_ important."

Evidently the earnestness of this declaration had an effect. After a minute
more of waiting, the child's face lighted.

"Oh, grandpa, is that you?"

"Yes, I am. I'm _so_ sorry I slept too long!"

"Yes, I know you missed me, and now I have to eat my breakfast without you.
Why didn't you come and bring me downstairs?"

"Oh, but I _would_ have. Did you feel very sorry when you got in the
brougham, grandpa?"

"I know it. Did the ride seem _very_ long, all alone?"

"Yes, indeed. I felt so sorry inside when I found you'd gone, I had to hear
you speak so as to get better so I could visit with mother and father."

"Yes, it _is_ a comfort. Are you _sure_ you don't feel sorry now?"

"Well, but are you smiling, grandpa?"

Whatever the answer was to this, it made Jewel's anxious brows relax and
she laughed into the 'phone.

"Grandpa, you're such a joker! One smile won't make you any fatter," she
protested.