“Should say so,” returned ’Zekiel.  “The less you think the better, I should suppose, if that’s the case.  I’ve got to be going now.”

“And you’ll send the telegram surely, and you won’t speak of it to any one?”

“Mum’s the word, and I’ll send it if it’s the last act; but don’t put all your eggs in one basket, little kid.  I know Dr. Ballard’s been here, and now you do everything he said, like a good girl, and between the two of ’em they ought to fix you up.  I’d pin more faith to a doctor in the hand than to one in the bush a thousand miles away, if ’t was me.”

Jewel smiled on him from heavy eyes.  “Did you 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.