“I do feel braced up, Jewel. Thank you,” she whispered hurriedly.
“Is the man over at the golf links?” asked the child, surprised to see that Eloise and her grandfather were going out together.
“He will be by the time I get there,” returned the girl.
As soon as the carriage door had closed and they had started, Eloise spoke. “You must think it very strange that I asked this of you, grandfather.”
There was a hint of violets clinging to the fresh white garments that brushed Mr. Evringham's knee.
“I would not question the gifts the gods provide;” he returned.
She seemed able to rise above the fear of his sarcasms. “Not that you would be surprised at anything mother or I might ask of you,” she continued bravely, “but I have suffered, I'm sure, as much as you have during the last two months.”
“Indeed? I regret to hear that.”
If there was a sting in this reply, Eloise refused to recognize it.
“In fact I have felt so much that it has made it impossible hitherto to say anything, but Jewel has given me courage.”