ever hear of God's needing
any help?" she asked. "I'll never forget your being so kind to me,
never, Zeke; and when error melts away I'm coming out to the stable with
grandpa. He said I should. Good-by."

As soon as the plum-colored livery had disappeared Jewel drew herself
up, took the water pitcher between her hot little hands, and drank long
and deeply. Then with a sigh of satisfaction she turned over in bed and
drew Anna Belle close to her.

"Just see, dearie," she murmured, "how we are always taken care of!"

Mrs. Evringham saw Dr. Ballard's buggy drive away and lost no time in
discovering who had needed his services.

"It's the child," she announced, returning to Eloise's room.

"Poor little thing," returned the girl, rising.

"Where are you going? Stay right where you are. She has a high fever,
and they're not sure yet what it may be. Mrs. Forbes is doing everything
that is necessary. Father has waited over two trains. He hasn't gone to
the city yet."

At the mention of Mr. Evringham Eloise sank back in her chair.

"Dr. Ballard is coming again toward evening," continued Mrs. Evringham,
"and I shall talk with him and find out just the conditions. Mrs.
Forbes is very unsatisfactory, but I can see that she thinks it may be
something infectious."

Eloise lifted a suddenly hopeful face. "Then you would wish to leave at
once?" she said.

"Not at all. Father would surely hear to reason and send the child to
the hospital. They are models of comfort in these days, and it is the
only proper place for people to be ill. I shall speak to Dr. Ballard
about it to-night."

As soon as Eloise had seen her grandfather drive to the station she
eluded her mother, and gathering her white negligee about her, went
softly up to Jewel's room and stood at the closed door. All was still.
She opened the door stealthily. With all her care it creaked a little.
Still no sound from within. She looked toward the bed, saw the flushed
face of the child and that she was asleep, so she withdrew as quietly.

During the day she inquired of Mrs. Forbes if she could be of any
service, but the housekeeper received the suggestion with curt respect,
assuring her that Dr. Ballard had said Jewel would sleep a good deal,
and should not be disturbed.

Mrs. Evringham overheard the question and welcomed the reply with
relief.

Jewel ate the bread and fruit and milk that Mrs. Forbes gave her for her
late lunch, and said that she felt better.