“Now, Star and Topaz, you’re going to love one another,” said Jewel impressively.  “Shake hands, Topaz.”  She held out her hand and the dog sat down and offered a white paw.

“Good fellow,” said the child.  “Now I guess you’re going to be surprised,” she added, looking into his yellow eyes.  She turned toward the pony, who was nosing her shoulder, not at all sure that he liked this rival.  “Shake hands, Star,” she ordered.

It took the pony some time to make up his mind to do this.  It usually did.  He shook his mane and tossed his head; but Jewel kept patting his slender leg and offering her hand, until, with much gentle pawing and lifting his little hoof higher and higher, he finally rested it in the child’s hand, although looking away meanwhile, in mute protest.

“Good Star!  Darling Star!” she exclaimed, jumping up and hugging him.  “There, Topaz, what do you think of that?” she asked triumphantly.  For answer the golden dog yawned profoundly, and Mr. Evringham and Jewel laughed together.

“Such impoliteness!” cried the child.

“You must excuse him if he is a little conceited,” said the broker.  “He knows Star can’t sit up and roll over and jump sticks.”

“Oh, grandpa.”  Jewel’s face sobered, for this revived a little difference of opinion between them.  “When are you going to let me jump fences?”

“In a few more birthdays, Jewel, a few more,” he replied.

She turned back to her pets.  “I suppose,” she said musingly, “it wouldn’t be the least use to try to make them shake hands with each other.”

“I suppose not,” returned the broker, and his shoulders shook.  “Oh, Jewel, you certainly will make me lose my waist.  Here now, time is flying.  Mount.”

He lowered his hand, Jewel stepped on it and was in her white saddle instantly.  The collie barked with loud inquiry and plunged hopefully.

In a minute the horses were off at a good pace.  “Come, Topaz!” cried the child, and the golden dog scampered after them with a will.

Harry and Julia took a sail in the “Jewel” while the riders were away, otherwise the four had spent the entire day together; and after dinner they all strolled out of doors to watch the coming of twilight.

Jewel and her father began a romp on the grass with the dog, and Mr. Evringham and Julia took seats on the piazza.

The broker watched the group on the lawn in silence for a minute, and then he spoke.

“I was very much impressed by the talk we had last evening, Julia; more so even than by those that have gone before.  Harry really seems very intelligent on this subject of Christian Science.”

“He is making a conscientious study of it,” returned Julia.

“You have met my questions and objections remarkably well,” went on Mr. Evringham.  “I am willing and glad to admit truth where I once was skeptical, and I hope to understand much more.  One thing I must say, however, I do object to—­it is this worship of Mrs. Eddy.  I know you don’t call it that, but what does it matter what you call it, when you all give her slavish obedience?  I should like to take the truth she has presented and make it more impersonal than you do.  What is the need of thinking about her at all?”