“Come in and let’s have a look at the house, Julia,” he suggested.  “It won’t do to go to the stables without Jewel.”

They entered the drawing-room and Julia moved about admiring the pictures and carvings, and paused long before the oil portrait of a beautiful woman, conspicuously placed.

“That’s my grandmother,” remarked Harry.  “Isn’t she stunning?  That’s the side of the family I didn’t take after.”

While they still examined the portrait and the exquisite painting of its laces, Jewel ran into the room and seized them from behind.

“Well, well, all dressed!” exclaimed her father as the two stooped to kiss her.

“Yes, but my hair isn’t very nice,” said the child, putting up her hand to her braids, “because I didn’t want to be late to breakfast.”

Her father’s hearty laugh rang out.  “Lunch, do you mean?”

“We’re through breakfast long ago, dearie,” said her mother.  “No wonder you slept late.  We wanted you to.”

“Breakfast’s all through!” exclaimed the child, and they were surprised at her dismay.

“Yes, but Mrs. Forbes will get you something,” said her father.

“But has grandpa gone?” asked the child.  Before they could reply the housekeeper passed the door and Jewel ran to her.  “Has grandpa gone, Mrs. Forbes?” she repeated anxiously.

“Yes, indeed, it’s after ten.  Come into the dining-room, Jewel; Sarah will give you your breakfast.”

“I’m not a bit hungry—­yes, I am, a little—­but what is grandpa’s telephone number, Mrs. Forbes.”

“Oh, now, you won’t call him up, dear,” said the housekeeper coaxingly.  “Come and eat your breakfast like a good girl.”

“Yes, in just one minute I will.  What is the number, please, Mrs. Forbes?”

The housekeeper gave the number, and Harry and Julia drew nearer.

“Your grandpa is coming out early, Jewel,” said her father.  “You’ll see him in a few hours, and you can ask him whatever you wish to then.”

“She never has called Mr. Evringham up, sir,” said the housekeeper.  “He speaks to her sometimes.  You know, Jewel, your grandfather doesn’t like to be disturbed in his business and called to the ’phone unless it is something very important.”

“It is,” returned the child, and she ran to the part of the hall where the instrument was situated.  Her mother and father followed, the former feeling that she ought to interfere, but the latter amused and curious.

“My little girl,” began Julia, in protest, but Harry put his hand on her arm and detained her.  Jewel was evidently filled with one idea and deaf to all else.  With her usual energy she took down the receiver and made her request to the central office.  Harry drew his wife to where they could watch her absorbed, rosy face.  Her listening expression was anxiously intent.  Mrs. Forbes also lingered at a little distance, enjoying the parents’ interest and sharing it.