"Father's just splendid,"she finished.
Her grandfather was not wholly pleased with the verdict.He had gained a taste for incense himself.
"He has been at home over six months,I believe,"he returned.
"Yes,all winter;and we have more fun!"
"Your father is not a Christian Scientist,I presume,"remarked Mr.
Evringham.
"Oh yes,he's learning to be.Of course he goes to church--""He does,eh?"put in the broker,surprised.
"Of course;and he studies the lesson with us every day.He had been sorry so much and so long,you know,mother said he was all ready;and beside--beside"--Jewel hesitated and became silent.
"Beside what?"
She began very softly and half reluctantly."Father had a sickness two or three times when he first came home,and he was healed,and so he was very grateful and wanted to know about God.""H'm.I'm glad he was.I hope he will make your mother very happy after this.""He does."The child lost her seriousness and laughed reminiscently.
"Father and I have the besttimes.Mothers says he's younger than Iam."
"You miss him,eh?"Mr.Evringham half frowned into the fresh little face.
"Oh yes,I do,"with a sigh,"but it would be error to be sorry when Icould come to see you,grandpa."
Mr.Evringham cogitated a minute on the probable loneliness of the last three days,and began to wonder what this philosophy could be which gave practical help to a child of eight years.He was still holding the letter to Dr.Ballard in his hand.
"I think I'll let you direct this yourself,Jewel,"he said.He rose and brought the morocco cushion to his desk chair."Sit up here and Iwill tell you the address."
She obeyed,and Mr.Evringham watched the little fingers clenched around the pen as she strove to resist its tendency to write down hill on the envelope.
"And you're quite sure that more money will be forthcoming when yours is gone,eh?"he asked when the feat was accomplished.