and that's just like going to a party, and I ought to be very particular,
don't you think so?"

"Well, don't sit down on anything dirty at the wharf. I expect you will,"
returned Mrs. Forbes with a resigned sigh, as she proceeded to unfasten
Jewel's tight, thick little braids.

"Just think what a short time we'll have to miss cousin Eloise," said the
child. "Day before yesterday she went away, and now to-morrow my mother'll
braid my hair." She gave an ecstatic sigh.

"If that's all you wanted your cousin Eloise for--to braid your hair--I
guess I could get to do it as well as she did."

"Oh, I loved cousin Eloise for everything and I always shall love her,"
responded the child quickly. "I only meant I didn't have to trouble you
long with my hair."

"I think I do it pretty well."

"Yes, indeed you do--just as _tight_. Do you remember how much it troubled
you when I first came? and now it's so much different!"

"Yes, there are a whole lot of things that are much different," replied
Mrs. Forbes. "How long do you suppose you'll be staying with us now,
Jewel?"

The child's face grew sober. "I don't know, because I don't know how long
father and mother can stay."