“Well I hope it's for her trousseau.” Jewel smiled. “My mother makes those.” “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.” “Why is it?” asked the child. “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!” Mrs. Forbes also stared at the child, and she winced. “I do love them, and they do love me,” she thought. “I don't remember ever speaking about it before the doctor unless somebody asked me,” she said aloud. “Your cousin Eloise may ask you,” returned Mrs. Evringham. “Nobody else would. She does it in a spirit of mischief, perhaps, but I shall speak to her. She has a passing curiosity about your ideas because it is odd and rather amusing to find a child who has such unnatural and precocious fancies, and she tries to draw you out; but it will not last with her. Neither will it with you, probably. You seem to be a sensible little girl in many ways.” Mrs. Evringham made the addition magnanimously. She really was too much at peace with all the world just now to like to be severe. Outwardly Jewel was silent. Inwardly she was declaring many things which would have surprised her companions. “Does your cousin Eloise pretend to you that she is becoming seriously interested in your faith?” pursued Mrs. Evringham. “She will tell you all about it,” returned Jewel. Aunt Madge shrugged her shoulders and laughed a little. Her thoughts reverted to her daughter's trip to the city. She had wondered several times if it had any pleasant connection with her sudden good understanding with Mr. Evringham.