Mrs.Forbes entered Jewel's room after speaking with the doctor.The little girl looked at her eagerly.A plan had formed in her mind which depended for its success largely on the housekeeper's complaisance,and she wished to propitiate her.
"I want to fix it so you can call me when you need anything,Julia,"she said."The doctor has told you about taking the medicine,and here is a little clock I'm going to put on your table right by the bed,and I've brought up a bell.I shall leave the farther door open so the sound of this bell will go right down the backstairs,and one of us will come up whenever you ring.Dr.Ballard says it's best for you to be quiet.""Yes'm,"replied Jewel."Do you think,Mrs.Forbes--would it be too much trouble--would he have time--could I see Jeremiah just a few minutes?""See who?"
"Jeremiah--the gentleman who lives with the horses.""Do you mean my son Ezekiel?"
"Oh,yes'm.Ezekiel.I knew it was a prophet.He always speaks very kindly to me,and I like him.I wish I could see him just a few minutes."Mrs.Forbes was very much astonished and somewhat flattered."It's wonderful,the fancy that child has taken to me and mine,"she thought.
"Well,folks must be humored when they're sick,"she replied."Let me see,"looking at the little clock,"yes,Mr.Evringham's missed the second train.There'll be five or ten minutes yet,and 'Zekiel's got to wait anyway.I guess he can come up and see you.""Oh,thank you,Mrs.Forbes!"returned Jewel.
The housekeeper made her way out to the barn,where her son in his livery was waiting and reading the paper.
"The doctor's gone,Zeke,and the child wants to see you.""Me?"returned the coachman in surprise."Why the bully little kid!""Yes,come and be quick.There won't be much time.You watch the clock that's side of her bed,and don't you be late."'Zekiel followed with alacrity.His mother,starting him up the backstairs,gave him directions how to go,and remained below.
Jewel,her eyes fixed on the open back door of her room,felt a leap of the heart as Zeke,fine in his handsome livery,came blushing and tiptoeing into the room.