"Try an egg. Perhaps you'll like them by this time," suggested Mr.
Evringham.

"Do you like everything to eat, grandpa?"

Mr. Evringham, being most arbitrary and peculiar in his tastes, could
only gain time by clearing his throat again, and taking a drink of
coffee.

"Mrs. Forbes will bring you a glass of milk, I dare say," he returned
at last, without looking up; and the housekeeper turned with ponderous
obedience and left the room.

Nimbly Jewel slid down from her chair, and running around the table to
her grandfather's place, put both her arms around his neck and whispered
to him eagerly and swiftly, "If you have such a pro--something respect
for Mrs. Forbes, and it makes her sorry because I won't eat eggs,
perhaps I ought to. If it offends thy brother to have you eat meat, you
mustn't, the Bible says, so I suppose, if it makes Mrs. Forbes turn red
and perhaps get the stomach ache to have me not eat eggs, I ought to;
but grandpa, if you decide I must, please let me wait till to-morrow
morning, so I can say the Scientific Statement of Being all day--"

Here Mrs. Forbes entered with a glass of milk on a little tray. She
stood transfixed at the sight that met her.

"That child hasn't the fear of man before her eyes!" she ejaculated
mentally, then she marched forward and deposited the milk beside Jewel's
empty plate, while the child ran back and took her seat.