"Well, you can't," returned Mrs. Forbes decidedly. "He is talking
business and mustn't be disturbed."

She followed the child up the staircase.

"I could go to bed alone, if I only knew where the matches are."

"You said you could dress alone, but you had to ask Mrs. Evringham to
button your frock. Remember after this that I am the one to ask. She and
Miss Eloise don't want to be bothered."

"Is it a bother to do a kindness?" asked Jewel in a subdued tone.

"To some folks it is," was the response. They had reached the door of
the child's room; "but some folks can see their duty and do it," she
added virtuously.

Jewel realized regretfully that her present companion belonged to the
latter class.

"Now here, right inside the door," proceeded Mrs. Forbes, "is the
switch. There's electricity all over this house, and you don't need
any matches. See?" Mrs. Forbes turned the switch and the white room was
flooded with light.

A few hours ago this magic would have evoked much enthusiasm. Even now
Jewel was pleased to turn the light on and off several times, as Mrs.
Forbes told her to do.

"Now I'll see if you can undress yourself," said the housekeeper.