“Well, whether it does or doesn't, you haven't any three dollars to spend for a book, Eloise,” was the firm reply. “The _idea_, when I can barely rake and scrape enough together to keep us presentable!” “Where do you get our money?” asked the girl. “Father gives me a check every fortnight. Of course you know that he has charge of our affairs.” Eloise's serene expression did not change. She looked at the little black book in her hand. “This edition costs five dollars,” she said. “Scandalous!” exclaimed Mrs. Evringham. “I can tell you this is no time for us to be collecting _editions de luxe_. Wait till you're married.” “I'm going to run in town for a while this morning, mother.” “You are? Well don't get belated. You know that you are to ride with Dr. Ballard at half past four. Dear me,” her brow drawn, “you ought to have that hat. Now I think that I _could_ get on without that jet bolero.” Eloise laughed softly and drew her mother to her. “Have your jet bolero, dear,” she answered. “My hat isn't bad.” Eloise went to her room, and closing the door, took from one of her drawers a box. It contained her girlish treasures, the ornaments and jewels her father had given her from time to time. She took out a small diamond ring and pressed it to her lips. “Dear papa! I love it because you gave it to me, but I can get with it a wonderful thing, a truth which, if we had known it, would have saved you all those torturing hours, would have saved your dear life. I know how gladly you would have me get it now, for you are learning it too; and it will be your gift, dear, _dear_ papa, your gift just the same.” Jewel had to study the lesson with only Anna Belle's assistance that morning, but she received the third letter from her mother and father. Their trip was proving a success from the standpoints of both business and pleasure, but their chief longing was to get back to their little girl. 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?” “Certainly not. You'll cut yourself.” “I want it to dig up plants.” 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 know.”