The next morning it rained so heavily that Mr.Evringham was obliged to forego his ride.Wet weather was an unmixed ill to him.It not only made riding and golf miserable,but it reminded him that rheumatism was getting a grip on one of his shoulders.
"It is disgusting,perfectly disgusting to grow old,"he muttered as he descended the broad staircase.On the lower landing Jewel rose up out of the dusk,where she had been sitting near the beautiful clock.
Her bright little face shone up at him like a sunbeam.
"You didn't expect to see me,grandpa,did you?"she asked,and as it did not even occur to him to stoop his head to her,she seized his hand and kissed it as they went on down the stairs.
"I was so disappointed because it rained so hard.I was going to see you ride.""Yes.Beastly weather,"assented Mr.Evringham.
"But the flowers and trees want a drink,don't they?""'M.I suppose so."
"And the brook will be prettier than ever."
"'M.See that you keep out of it."
"Yes,I will,grandpa;and I thought the first thing this morning,I'll wear my rubbers all day.I was so afraid I might forget I put them right on to make sure."They had reached the hall,and Jewel exhibited her feet encased in the roomy storm rubbers.
"Great Scott,child!"ejaculated Mr.Evringham,viewing the shiny overshoes."What size are your feet?""I don't know,"returned the little girl,"but I only have to scuff some,and then they'll stay on.Mrs.Forbes said I'd grow to them.""So you will,I should think,if you're going to wear them in the house as well as out."It was against Mr.Evringham's principles to smile before breakfast,at all events at any one except Essex Maid;but the large,shiny overshoes that looked like overgrown beetles,and Jewel's optimistic determination to make him happy,even offset his painful arm.
"The house doesn't leak anywhere,"he said."I think it will be safe for you to take them off until after breakfast."Jewel lifted her shoulders and looked up at him with the glance he knew.