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.
Mrs. Evringham overheard the question and welcomed the reply with relief.
Jewel ate the bread and fruit and milk that Mrs. Forbes gave her for her late lunch, and said that she felt better.
“You look so,” returned the housekeeper. The child had not once called her upstairs during the morning. She certainly was as little trouble as a sick child could be.
“If 't was anybody else,” mused Mrs. Forbes, regarding her, “I should say that she sensed the situation and knew she'd brought it on herself and me, and was trying to make up for it; but nobody can tell what she thinks. Her eyes do look more natural. I guess Dr. Ballard's a good one.”
“It don't seem to hurt you to swallow now,” remarked Mrs. Forbes.
“No'm, it doesn't, she answered.
“Now then, you see how foolish and naughty it was the way you behaved about having the doctor this morning. Look how much better you are already!”
“Yes'm, I love Dr. Ballard.”
“You well may. He's done well by you.” Mrs. Forbes took the tray. “Now do you feel like going to sleep again? The doctor won't come till about six o'clock. Your fever'll rise toward evening, and that's the time he wants to see you. I shall sleep in the spare room next you to-night.”