Evringham,"and I shall talk with him and find out just the conditions.Mrs.Forbes is very unsatisfactory,but I can see that she thinks it may be something infectious."Eloise lifted a suddenly hopeful face."Then you would wish to leave at once?"she said.
"Not at all.Father would surely hear to reason and send the child to the hospital.They are models of comfort in these days,and it is the only proper place for people to be ill.I shall speak to Dr.Ballard about it to-night."As soon as Eloise had seen her grandfather drive to the station she eluded her mother,and gathering her white negligee about her,went softly up to Jewel's room and stood at the closed door.All was still.
She opened the door stealthily.With all her care it creaked a little.
Still no sound from within.She looked toward the bed,saw the flushed face of the child and that she was asleep,so she withdrew as quietly.
During the day she inquired of Mrs.Forbes if she could be of any service,but the housekeeper received the suggestion with curt respect,assuring her that Dr.Ballard had said Jewel would sleep a good deal,and should not be disturbed.
Mrs.Evringham overheard the question and welcomed the reply with relief.
Jewel ate the bread and fruit and milk that Mrs.Forbes gave her for her late lunch,and said that she felt better.
"You look so,"returned the housekeeper.The child had not once called her upstairs during the morning.She certainly was as little trouble as a sick child could be.
"If 't was anybody else,"mused Mrs.Forbes,regarding her,"I should say that she sensed the situation and knew she'd brought it on herself and me,and was trying to make up for it;but nobody can tell what she thinks.Her eyes do look more natural.I guess Dr.Ballard's a good one.""It don't seem to hurt you to swallow now,"remarked Mrs.Forbes.
"No'm,it doesn't,she answered.
"Now then,you see how foolish and naughty it was the way you behaved about having the doctor this morning.Look how much better you are already!""Yes'm,I love Dr.Ballard."