"We have a picture of you,but it's a long-ago one,and I thought by this time you would be old,and--and bent over,you know,the way grandpas are."Even in that place of drays and at eight o'clock A.M.these words fell not disagreeably upon irritated ears.
"I think myself Nature did not intend me to be a grandpa,"he replied.
"Oh,yes,you're just the right kind,"returned the child hastily and confidently."Strong and--and handsome."Mr.Evringham looked at her in amazement."The little rascal!"he thought."Has she been coached?""I suppose we may get away from here now,"he said aloud."There's nothing more to wait for.""Didn't the roses make mother happy?"asked the little girl,trotting along beside his long strides."I think it was wonderful for you to bring them so early in the morning."Mr.Evringham summoned a cab.
"Oh,are we gong in a carriage?"cried Jewel,highly pleased."But Imustn't forget,grandpa,there's something father told me I must give you the first thing.Will you take Anna Belle a minute,please?"and Mr.Evringham found himself holding the doll fiercely by one leg while small hands worked at the catch of a very new little leather side-bag.
At last Jewel produced a brass square.
"Oh,your trunk check."Mr.Evringham exchanged the doll for it with alacrity."Get in."He held open the cab door.
Jewel obeyed,but not without some misgivings when her guardian so coolly pocketed the check.
"Yes,it's for my trunk,"she replied when her grandfather was beside her and they began rattling over the stones."I have a checked silk dress,"she added softly,after a pause.It were well to let him know the value of her baggage.
"Have you indeed?How old are you,Julia?Your name is Julia,Ibelieve?"
"Yes,sir,my name'sJulia,but so is mother's,and they call me Jewel.I'm nearly nine,grandpa.""H'm.Time flies,"was the brief response.
Jewel looked out of the cab window in the noisy silence that followed.