Ballard seems to find Jewel amusing,and it might be a point of common interest.As it is,if ever I wished any one in Jericho,it's that child."Jewel,happy in the proximity of her lovely cousin,satisfied herself by a glance that aunt Madge was not following.
Eloise looked about over the sunny,verdant landscape."What a deceitful world,"she said."It looks so serene and easy to live in.
So it was very lovely over at your ravine this morning?""Oh!"Jewel looked up at her with eager eyes."Let's go.You haven't been there.It's only a little way.You don't need your hat,cousin Eloise."Summer was in the air.The girl was amused at the child's enthusiastic tone."Very well,"she answered.
Jewel drew her on with an embracing arm,and they descended the steps and walked down the path.
Suddenly the child stopped."Doesn't it seem unkind to go without Anna Belle!"she exclaimed.
"Oh,nonsense,"returned Eloise,smiling."You're not going way upstairs to get her.We needn't tell her we went.She's been out driving all the morning.I think it's my turn."The child looked happily up into her cousin's face."I love to see you laugh,cousin Eloise,"she returned,and they strolled on.
The park drives were deserted.The cousins reached the gorge without meeting any one.Leaning upon the slender fence,they gazed down into the green depths,and for a minute listened to the woodland melody.
"Isn't it just like your Spring Song?"asked the child at last.
"It is sweet and comforting and good,"replied the girl slowly,a far-off look in her eyes.
Jewel lifted her shoulders."Don't you want to get down there,cousin Eloise?"she asked,her eyes sparkling.
"Yes,"replied the girl promptly.