Her companion's brow grew darker.

"Impudent I say."

"And what is impudent?"

"Don't you know?" suspiciously.

"No, sir," replied the child, some anxiety clouding her bright look. "Is
it error?"

Mr. Evringham regarded her rather blankly. "It's something you mustn't
be," he replied at last.

Jewel's face cleared. "Oh no, I won't then," she replied earnestly. "You
tell me when I'm--it, because I want to make you happy."

Mr. Evringham cleared his throat. He felt somewhat embarrassed and was
glad they had reached the ferry.

"We're going on a boat, aren't we?" she asked when they had passed
through the gate.

"Yes, and we can make this boat if we hurry." Mr. Evringham suddenly
felt a little hand slide into his. Jewel was skipping along beside him
to keep up with his long strides, and he glanced down at the bobbing
flaxen head with its large ribbon bows, while the impulse to withdraw
his hand was thwarted by the closer clinging of the small fingers.

"Father told me about the ferry," said Jewel with satisfaction, "and