Mr. Evringham was in a yielding state of mind. He allowed the pressure of the child's hand on his to lead him to the drawing-room, where his entrance made a little stir.
Dr. Ballard was sitting near the piano, listening to the music. Everybody rose as the newcomers entered.
"How are you, Ballard? Jewel wished to hear her cousin's music, and so behold us. If we bring a reminder of the stable, blame her."
"Oh father, that dear horse is all right, I'm sure," gushed Mrs. Evringham, "or else you wouldn't be here!"
"What? Something the matter with Essex Maid?" asked Dr. Ballard with concern.
"Yes." Mr. Evringham seated himself. "A sharp attack, but short. She was relieved before we could get Busby here." The speaker contracted his eyebrows and looked at the child, who was still beside him. "The mare had received mental treatments meanwhile," he added gravely.
Dr. Ballard smiled, and drawing Jewel to him, lifted her upon his knee. "Look here," he said, "can't you let anything around here be sick in peace? We doctors shall have to form a union and manage to get you boycotted."
The child smiled back at him, her head a little on one side, as her manner was when she was in doubt how to respond.
"What a blessing!" exclaimed Mrs. Evringham vivaciously. "Here, father, is the best cup of coffee you ever drank, if I did make it myself."
Many weeks had elapsed since the broker had accepted a cup of coffee from that fair hand, but he rose now to take it with good grace.
"Is there going to be some cambric tea for this baby?" inquired Dr. Ballard.
"You must be hungry, Jewel; you hadn't finished your dinner," said her grandfather, but she protested that she was not.
"How is Anna Belle?" asked Dr. Ballard. "It's a long time since I saw her."
"Would you like to?" asked Jewel doubtfully.
"Why--of--course!--if she's still up. Don't have her dress on my account."
"She doesn't go to bed till I do," responded the child. "I know she'd love to come down!" In a flash she had bounded to the door and disappeared.
Eloise was still sitting on the piano stool, facing the room. "Grandfather," she said, leaning slightly forward in her earnestness, "did Jewel really treat Essex Maid?"
The broker shrugged his shoulders and smiled as he stirred his coffee.