"How good of you to come and cheer us!"exclaimed Mrs.Evringham."Do take off your coat and stay for a cosy hour.We will have some music.""Don't tempt me.I have an office hour awaiting me.I came principally to see this little girl."Jewel had leaned back in her chair and was watching his bright face expectantly.
"I'm glad of it,"rejoined Mrs.Evringham devoutly."I distrust these sudden recoveries,Dr.Ballard.Do make very sure that she hasn't one of those lingering,treacherous fevers.I've heard of such things."Dr.Ballard's eyes laughed into those of his little neighbor."She doesn't look the part,"he returned.
Jewel gave a glance around the table."Will you excuse me?"she said politely,then she reached up to the doctor's ear.
"Shall I go and get my money?"she whispered.
He shook his head."No,"he replied in a low tone."I came to thank you very much for your note,and to tell you that you don't owe me anything.I'm not usually a 'no cure,no pay'doctor.I take the money anyway,but this time I'm going to make an exception.""Why?"asked Jewel,speaking aloud as long as he did.
"Well,you see,you didn't take the medicine.That makes a difference.
Most people take it."
"Ye--es,"rejoined Jewel rather doubtfully.She was not sure of this logic.
"So now we're perfectly square,"went on the doctor,"but don't you fall ill again."He shook his head at her."I want us to remain friends.""We'd always be friends,wouldn't we?"returned Jewel,smiling into his laughing eyes.
"When is our golf coming off,Miss Eloise?"he asked,looking across the table again.
"When the weather permits,"she responded graciously.