The child put an impulsive little hand on his shoulder. “No indeed, grandpa. Nobody can do without love. It hurts cousin Eloise because she isn't your real relation. She doesn't know how kind you are inside.” The child's lips closed suddenly.
“She fixed your hair very nicely,” Mr. Evringham viewed the flaxen head critically. “That's one thing in her favor.”
“She's full of things in her favor,” returned Jewel warmly. “Error's using you, grandpa, not to love her. If we don't love people we can't be sure anything we do to them is right.”
Mr. Evringham raised one hand and scratched his head slowly, regarding Jewel with what she felt was intended to be a humorous air.
“Couldn't you give me an easier one?” he asked.
“Oh grandpa,” the flaxen head nestled against his breast and the child sighed. “I wish everybody knew how kind you are,” and the broker patted her shoulder and enjoyed the clinging pressure of her cheek, for it assured him that again he stood firmly on the pedestal.
CHAPTER XVIII
ESSEX MAID
The rain and wind lasted for three days, clearing at last on an evening which proved eventful.