others seemed to prefer.

After dinner she would have a good visit with grandpa and talk about
when father was a little boy. Her hopes were dashed, for just as they
were rising from the table, a man was announced, with whom Mr. Evringham
closeted himself in the library.

In the drawing-room aunt Madge and cousin Eloise both set themselves at
letter-writing, and entirely ignored Jewel. The child looked listlessly
at a book with pictures, which she found on the table, until half-past
eight, when Mrs. Forbes came to say it was time for her to go to bed.

She rose and stood a moment, turning hesitatingly from her aunt to her
cousin.

"Oh, is it bedtime?" asked aunt Madge, looking up from her letter.
"Good-night, Julia. I hope you'll sleep well." Then she returned to her
writing.

Eloise bit her lip as she regarded the little girl with a moment's
hesitation, but no, she had decided on her plan of action. Mrs. Forbes
was observing her. Eloise knew the housekeeper's attitude toward them
was defensive, if not offensive. "Good-night," she said briefly, and
looked down again.

"Good-night," returned Jewel quietly, and went out.

In the hall she hesitated. "I want to say good-night to grandpa," she
said.