heard the _frou-frou_ of skirts in the hall, and with a knock at the
door, a lady entered. She was arrayed in a thin black gown and wore a
large black hat, that was very becoming.

Jewel's admiration went out to her on the instant and she started up.

The lady swept toward her, and bending, a delicate perfume wafted about
Jewel as she felt a light touch of lips on her cheek.

"So this is Julia Evringham," said the newcomer.

"And you are aunt Madge," returned the child gladly, clinging to the
gloved hand, which endured for a moment, and then firmly disengaged
itself.

"Your father and mother got off all right I hope?" went on the airy
voice. "I'm always afraid of winds at this season myself, but they may
not have them. Your cousin Eloise and I are hurrying away to a luncheon,
but we shall see you at dinner. You're very comfortable here? That's
right. Good-bye."

She swept away, and the light again faded from Jewel's face as she went
slowly back to her seat.

"Aunt Madge is afraid, too," she said to the doll. "We know there won't
be winds, don't we, dearie? God will take care of father and mother."

An uncomfortable lump rose towards the child's throat.

Mrs. Evringham followed Eloise into the brougham, smiling.