He ceased laughing and looked at her in some discomfiture.Her mouth was set seriously.There was no quiver of the rosy lips.
To his relief,in a minute she dropped her hand and began to hum and arrange her doll's hat.
The conductor approached,and as the doctor presented his ticket,he said,"This little girl's fare is paid,I believe."The conductor nodded and passed on.
"I'm to get off at Bel-Air,"said Jewel."I hope he doesn't forget.""If he does,I shan't,"said the doctor,"for I'm going to get off there myself."The child's eyes brightened."Isn't that nice!"she returned.Then she lifted Anna Belle and whispered something into her ear.
"No secrets,"said the doctor.
"I was just reminding Anna belle how we are always taken care of,"returned Jewel.
The young man regarded her with increasing interest and curiosity.
"Don't you wonder how I knew that your fare was paid?"he asked.
"How did you?"
"I met Mr.Evringham hurrying through the station.He said his granddaughter was on this train and asked me to look out for a little girl with a doll.""Oh,"returned the child,pleased,"then you know grandpa.""I've known him ever since I was no bigger than you are.But even then,"added the doctor mentally,"I hadn't supposed him capable of sending this baby out from the city alone."Jewel watched the kind eyes attentively."So you see,"he went on,"all I had to do was to look for Anna Belle.""And you nearly sat on her,"declared the child.
"I deny it,"returned the doctor gravely."I deny it.You weren't looking.For one second I was afraid you were crying.""Crying!What would I be crying for,coming to have a lovely visit at grandpa's!""I suppose you are in a hurry to see your aunt and cousin?"remarked the doctor.
"Yes,but I don't know them.You see,"explanatorily,"they aren't my real relations.""Indeed?"