Mr. Evringham’s deep-set eyes widened.  “Is it possible?  Well, we’re all worms.”

Jewel smiled fondly at him, her head a little on one side, in its characteristic attitude.

“You’re such a joker,” she returned.

“If you really dislike smoke,” said the broker after a minute, “perhaps you’d better take your letter up to your room.”

“I don’t mind it,” she returned.  “Father used to smoke.  It’s only a little while since it gave him up.”

“You mean since he gave it up.”

“No.  When people study Christian Science, the error habits that they have just go away.”

“Indeed?  I’m glad you warned me.”  Mr. Evringham blew a delicate ring of smoke toward the table, but Jewel had begun to think of her parents, and her pencil was moving.  Her grandfather noted the trim appearance of the bowed head.

“I don’t know but I was cut out for a man milliner after all,” he mused complacently.  “Those bows have really a very chic appearance.”

His book interested him, and he soon became absorbed in its pages.  Jewel occasionally coming to an orthographic problem looked up and waited, but he did not observe her, so she patiently kept silence and resumed her work.  At last the letter was finished.

She looked again at her grandfather, and opened her cramped little hand with relief.  The back of her neck was tired with her bending posture.  She leaned back in the heavy chair to rest it while she waited.  The eyelids, grown heavy with her labors, wavered and winked.  The rain dripped down the panes, as if it had fallen into a monotonous habit.  The sound was soothing.  Jewel fell asleep.

When finally Mr. Evringham glanced at her he smiled.  “Little thoroughbred,” he mused; “she’d never disturb me.”  He rose and crossed to the child.  There lay the finished letter.  He took it up with some anticipation:—­

DEAR MOTHER AND FATHER——­It is most time to get a leter from you but I will not wait to tell you I am happy and well.

Grandpa is the kindest man and he has the most Beautiful horse, her name is Essecks made.  He let me sit on her back and give her Sugar.  Cosin Elloees is the prettiest one of all.  She has things that make her sorry but she is very kind to me.  She washed my hare today and she helps me get the lesson.  There is a docter here he is lovly.  He tried to cure me when I had a claim but Mrs. Lewis did.  Cosin Elloees reads S. and H when we get throo the lesson and I think she will be glad Pretty soon and not afrade Grandpa doesn’t want her and Ant maj.  She won’t let me tell grandpa she is kind to me, but I can Explane beter when you come home.

Grandpa’s kindness is inside, and he Looks sorry but noboddy cood help loving him.  I love you both every minnit and the leters in my pocket help me so much.

Your dear

JEWEL.

Mr. Evringham had scarcely finished reading this epistle when Jewel’s head slipped on the polished woodwork against which she was leaning and bumped against the side of the chair with a jar which awoke her.