"Very well,very well,"he said kindly.
When the ribbons were at last tied,the two proceeded to the dining-room.Here an open fire of logs furnished the cheerful light that was lacking outside.The morning paper hung over the back of a chair,warming before the blaze.
Mrs.Forbes entered from the butler's pantry and looked surprised."Ididn't expect you down for half an hour yet,sir.Shall I hurry breakfast?""No;I'm going to take Jewel to the stable."Mr.Evringham stopped and took a few lumps of sugar from the bowl.
"Julia,where are your rubbers?"asked the housekeeper.
"On,"said the child,lifting her foot.
"I only hope they'll stay there,"remarked her grandfather."I think,Mrs.Forbes,you must buy shoes as I've heard that Chinamen do,--the largest they can get for the money."He disappeared with his happy little companion,and the housekeeper looked after them disapprovingly.
"They're both going out bareheaded,"she mused."I'd like to bet--Iwould bet anything that she asked him to take her.He never even stopped to look at the paper.He's just putty in her hands,that's what he is,putty;and she's been here three days."Mr.Evringham's apprehensions proved to have foundation.Halfway to the barn Jewel stepped in a bit of sticky mud and left one rubber.Her companion did not stop to let her get it,but picking her up under his well arm,strode on to the barn,where they appeared to the astonished Zeke.
Jewel was laughing in high glee.She was used to being caught up in a strong arm and run with.
Mr.Evringham shook the drops from his head."Get Jewel's rubber please,Zeke,"he said,pointing with his thumb over his shoulder.