Jewel gazed at her in open admiration.  The glowing color lent a wonderful touch to the girl’s beauty.  Mrs. Evringham laughed low at the fascinated look in the plain little face, and luncheon began.

To Jewel it differed much from the ones that had preceded it.  Mrs. Forbes might hover like a large black cloud, aunt Madge might rail at the weather which cut her off from her afternoon drive, but the morning’s experience seemed to have put the child into new relations with all, and Eloise often gave her a friendly glance or smile as the meal progressed.

It was destined to a surprising interruption.  In the midst of the discussion of lamb chops and Saratoga chips the door opened, and in walked Dr. Ballard.  The shoulders of his becoming raincoat were spangled with drops, his hat was in his hand, a deprecatory smile brightened his face.

“Forgive me, won’t you?” he said as he advanced to Mrs. Evringham and clasped the outstretched hand which eagerly welcomed him.  “It was my one leisure half hour to-day.”

He brought the freshness of the spring air with him, and he went on around the table shaking hands with the others, and finally drew up a chair beside Jewel.

“No, I can’t eat anything,” he declared in response to the urging of Mrs. Evringham and the housekeeper.  “Can’t stay long enough for that.”

His eyes fastened on the graceful girl opposite him, who was trying to offset her blushes by a direct and nonchalant gaze.  The rose on her breast seemed to be scorching her cheeks.  She knew that her mother was exulting in the lucky inspiration which had made her set it there.

“How good of you to come and cheer us!” exclaimed Mrs. Evringham.  “Do take off your coat and stay for a cosy hour.  We will have some music.”

“Don’t tempt me.  I have an office hour awaiting me.  I came principally to see this little girl.”

Jewel had leaned back in her chair and was watching his bright face expectantly.

“I’m glad of it,” rejoined Mrs. Evringham devoutly.  “I distrust these sudden recoveries, Dr. Ballard.  Do make very sure that she hasn’t one of those lingering, treacherous fevers.  I’ve heard of such things.”

Dr. Ballard’s eyes laughed into those of his little neighbor.  “She doesn’t look the part,” he returned.

Jewel gave a glance around the table.  “Will you excuse me?” she said politely, then she reached up to the doctor’s ear.

“Shall I go and get my money?” she whispered.

He shook his head.  “No,” he replied in a low tone.  “I came to thank you very much for your note, and to tell you that you don’t owe me anything.  I’m not usually a ‘no cure, no pay’ doctor.  I take the money anyway, but this time I’m going to make an exception.”

“Why?” asked Jewel, speaking aloud as long as he did.

“Well, you see, you didn’t take the medicine.  That makes a difference.  Most people take it.”