“To some folks it is,” was the response. They had reached the door of the child's room; “but some folks can see their duty and do it,” she added virtuously. Jewel realized regretfully that her present companion belonged to the latter class. “Now here, right inside the door,” proceeded Mrs. Forbes, “is the switch. There's electricity all over this house, and you don't need any matches. See?” Mrs. Forbes turned the switch and the white room was flooded with light. A few hours ago this magic would have evoked much enthusiasm. Even now Jewel was pleased to turn the light on and off several times, as Mrs. Forbes told her to do. “Now I'll see if you can undress yourself,” said the housekeeper. Jewel's deft fingers flew over the buttons in her eagerness to prove her independence. When at last she stood in her little white nightgown, so neat and fine in its small decorations, Mrs. Forbes said, “Do you want me to hear you say your prayers?” “No, I thank you.” With her hasty response Jewel promptly jumped into the bed, from which the white spread had been removed. “I hope you always say them,” said Mrs. Forbes, regarding her undecidedly. “Yes'm, I always do.” The child cuddled down under the covers with her face to the wall, lest Mrs. Forbes should see a further duty and do it. “You ought to say them on your knees,” continued the housekeeper. “I'd just as lief,” replied Jewel, “but I don't believe God cares.” “Well,” returned Mrs. Forbes solemnly, “it is a matter for your own conscience, Julia, if your mother didn't train you to it. Good-night.” “Good-night,” came faintly from beneath the bedclothes. Mrs. Forbes turned off the light and went out, closing the door behind her. “If she'd always speak when she's spoken to, and be quiet and modest as she is with me, she'd be a very well-behaved child,” she soliloquized. “I could train her. I shouldn't wonder at all if her mother should see a great difference in her when she comes back.” The housekeeper went heavily downstairs. Jewel, pushing off the bedclothes, listened attentively to the retiring steps, and when they could no longer be heard, she jumped out of bed nimbly, and feeling for the electric switch, turned on the light. Her breath was coming rather unevenly, and she ran over the soft carpet to where her doll lay. Catching her up, she pressed her to her breast, then sitting down in the big chair, she began to undress her, crossing one little bare foot over the other knee to make a lap.