Jewel's deft fingers flew over the buttons in her eagerness to prove her
independence. When at last she stood in her little white nightgown, so
neat and fine in its small decorations, Mrs. Forbes said, "Do you want
me to hear you say your prayers?"

"No, I thank you." With her hasty response Jewel promptly jumped into
the bed, from which the white spread had been removed.

"I hope you always say them," said Mrs. Forbes, regarding her
undecidedly.

"Yes'm, I always do."

The child cuddled down under the covers with her face to the wall, lest
Mrs. Forbes should see a further duty and do it.

"You ought to say them on your knees," continued the housekeeper.

"I'd just as lief," replied Jewel, "but I don't believe God cares."

"Well," returned Mrs. Forbes solemnly, "it is a matter for your own
conscience, Julia, if your mother didn't train you to it. Good-night."

"Good-night," came faintly from beneath the bedclothes.

Mrs. Forbes turned off the light and went out, closing the door behind
her.

"If she'd always speak when she's spoken to, and be quiet and modest as
she is with me, she'd be a very well-behaved child," she soliloquized.