Mr. Evringham set Jewel on the mare's back and she smoothed the bright mane and patted the beautiful creature.
“I'd like to gallop off now over the whole country,” she said, her face glowing.
“I shouldn't be surprised either if you could do it bareback,” returned Mr. Evringham; “but you must never come into either of the stalls without me. You understand, do you?”
“Yes, grandpa. I'm glad you told me though, because I guess I should have.” The child gave a quick, unconscious sigh.
“Well we'd better go in now.”
“How kind you are to me,” said the child gratefully, as she slid off the horse's back with her arms around her grandfather's neck.
He had forgotten his rheumatic shoulder for the time.
“You can bring those rubbers in later,” he said to Zeke, and so carried Jewel out of the barn, through the rain, and into the house.
Mrs. Forbes watched the entrance. “Breakfast is served, sir,” she said with dignity. She thought her employer should have worn a hat.
Jewel was not offered eggs this morning. Instead she had, after her fruit and oatmeal, a slice of ham and a baked potato.