She sat there for what seemed a very long time,and at last a knock sounded at the door.Perhaps grandpa had come up.Jewel flew to open to him--and saw the white capped maid who had appeared at luncheon.
"They are all at table,and Mr.Evringham wishes you to come down,"she said.
"But I was waiting for the gong."
"We only have that at noon."
Jewel's feet flew down the stairs.Her grandfather had sent for her.
She was eager to reach him,yet when she entered the dining-room,her little face all alight,it was not so easy to run to him as she had fancied.
He sat stiffly at the foot of the table.Opposite him was aunt Madge,and at her left sat the prettiest young lady the child had ever seen.
Mrs.Forbes stood near Mr.Evringham,looking very serious.
Jewel took in all this at a glance,and contenting herself with greeting her grandfather's lifted eyes with a smile,she ran to Mrs.
Evringham and turned her back.
"There's just one button in the middle,aunt Madge,that I can't reach,"she explained softly.
Every eye at the table was regarding the child curiously,but she took no note of any one but her grandfather,and her dress buttoned,she ran to her chair and slid up on its smooth morocco.Eloise observed the little girl's loving expression.
"I am sorry you are late,Julia,"said Mr.Evringham.
"Yes,so am I,grandpa,"was the prompt response."I wanted to be down here as soon as you came home,but I thought I ought to wait for the gong,and then it didn't ring."Her eyes roved to where,directly opposite,the beautiful young lady was regarding her soberly.
Mrs.Evringham spoke."That is your cousin Eloise,Julia."Eloise inclined her graceful head,but made no further recognition of the child's admiring look.
"They haven't met before?"said Mr.Evringham,looking from one to the other.