“Didn’t we know that Divine Love would take care of us, grandpa?” she asked, with soft triumph.  “We did know it—­even when I was crying, we knew it.  Didn’t we?”

The broker drank in her upturned glance and placed his other hand over the one that was clinging to him.

CHAPTER VII

MRS. EVRINGHAM’S GIFTS

When Mrs. Evringham opened her eyes the following morning, it was with a confused sense that some great change had taken place; and quickly came the realization that it was a happy change.  As the transforming facts flowed in more clearly upon her consciousness, she covered her eyes quickly with her hand.

“‘Green pastures are before me!’” she thought, and her heart grew warm with gratitude.

Her husband was asleep, and she arose and went softly to Jewel’s chamber, and carefully opened the door.  To her amazement the bed was empty.  Its coverings were stripped down and the sweet morning breeze was flooding the spacious room.

She returned to her own, wondering how late it might be.  Her husband stirred and opened his eyes, but before she could speak a ripple of distant laughter sounded on the air.

She ran to the window and raised the shade.  “Oh, come, Harry, quick!” she exclaimed, and, half asleep, he obeyed.  There, riding down the driveway, they saw Mr. Evringham and Jewel starting off for their morning canter.

“How dear they look, how dear!” exclaimed Julia.

“Father is stunning, for a fact,” remarked Harry, watching alertly.  On yesterday’s excursion he had ridden Essex Maid, after all; and he smiled with interest now, in the couple who were evidently talking to one another with the utmost zest as they finally disappeared at a canter among the trees.

“It is ideal, it’s perfectly ideal, Harry.”  Julia drew a long breath.  “I was so surprised this morning, to waken and find it reality, after all.”  She looked with thoughtful eyes at her husband.  “I wonder what my new work will be!” she added.

“Not talking about that already, I hope!” he answered, laughing.  “I’ve an idea you will find occupation enough for one while, in learning to be idle.  Sit still now and look about you on the work accomplished.”

“What work?”

“That I’m here and that you’re here:  that the action of Truth has brought these wonders about.”

After breakfast the farewells were said.  “You’re happy, aren’t you, father?” asked Jewel doubtfully, as she clung about his neck.

“Never so happy, Jewel,” he answered.

She turned to her grandfather.  “When is father coming back again?” she asked.

“As soon as he can,” was the reply.

“You don’t want me until September, I believe,” said the young man bluntly.  He still retained the consciousness, half amused, half hurt, that his father considered him superfluous.