It was very like visiting with them to read it over, and Jewel did so more than once. "I'll show it to cousin Eloise as soon as she comes home," she reflected. Then she dressed Anna Belle to go out.
Running downstairs the child sought and found Mrs. Forbes in the kitchen. The housekeeper no longer questioned her going and coming, although she still considered herself in the light of the child's only disciplinarian, and was vigilant to watch for errors of omission and commission, and quick to correct them.
"Mrs. Forbes, may I have an old kitchen knife?"
Mrs. Forbes stared down at her. "Why, you mustn't do any such thing."
"I mean wild flowers for a garden that Anna Belle and I are going to make."
"Oh. I'll see if I can't find you a trowel."
There was one at hand, and as the housekeeper passed it to the child she warned her:--
"Be careful you don't make a mistake, now, and get hold of anybody's plants. What did your cousin Eloise go to New York for?"
"I don't believe she'll ever make one for you, then," returned Mrs. Forbes, but not ill-naturedly. She laughed, glancing at Sarah, who stood by.
"But I think she will for Anna Belle," returned Jewel brightly, "when she gets older."
The housekeeper and maid both laughed. "Run along," said Mrs. Forbes, "and don't you be late for lunch."
"She's an awful sweet child," said Sarah half reproachfully. "Just the spirit of sunshine."
"Oh well, they'd turn her head here if it wasn't for me," answered the other complacently.
Jewel was not late to lunch, but eating it tete-a-tete with aunt Madge was not to her taste.
Mrs. Evringham utilized the opportunity to admonish her, and Mrs. Forbes for once sympathized with the widow's sentiments.
Aunt Madge took off her eyeglasses in a way she had when she wished to be particularly impressive.
"Jewel," she said, "I don't think any one has told you that it is impolite to Dr. Ballard to say anything about Christian Science in his presence."
"Because he is a learned physician, and has, of course, a great respect for his profession."
"I have a great respect for him," returned the child, "and he knows I wouldn't hurt his feelings."
"The idea!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringham, looking down from a height upon the flaxen head. "As if a little ignorant girl could hurt the feelings of a man like Dr. Ballard!"