"It couldn't be better," she announced with much satisfaction as they
drove away.

"What?"

"She is plain--oh, plain as possible. Small eyes, large mouth,
insignificant nose. She will never get on with father. He never
could endure ugliness in a girl or woman. I have heard him say it was
unpardonable. If it hadn't been that we were what we are, Eloise, I
should never have dreamed of doing as I have done. Now if only some good
fairy would open your eyes to see which side your bread is buttered on!
You could do marvels with such a foil for contrast."



CHAPTER VII

THE FIRST EVENING

In the excitement of the early morning start, Jewel had eaten little
breakfast, but the soft resonance of the Japanese gong, when it sounded
in the hall below, found her unready for food.

However, she judged the mellow sound to be her summons and obediently
left her seat by the window. As she went down she looked askance at
the tall dark clock which, even as she passed, chimed the half hour
melodiously. Certainly her important grandfather lived in a wonderful
house. She paused to hear the last notes of the bells, but catching
sight of the figure of Mrs. Forbes waiting below, she started and moved