When he had disappeared his mother stooped slowly and kissed Jewel. “Forgive me,” she said tremulously.
“What for?” asked the child.
“Everything.”
The housekeeper still stood in the harness room after Jewel had gone away. She bowed her head on her folded hands. “Our Father who art in heaven, forgive me,” she prayed. “Forgive me for being a fool. Forgive me for not recognizing Thine angel whom Thou hast sent. Amen.”
CHAPTER XXIII
MRS. EVRINGHAM'S CALLER
Mrs. Evringham was busily chewing the cud of sweet fancies only, that afternoon. Following the equestrians in their leafy woodland path, she pictured them as talking of their future, and herself built many castles in the air. “Ah,” she thought sentimentally, leaning back in her reclining chair, “how charming is youth—with plenty of money!”
She was roused from these luxurious meditations by the appearance of Sarah, bearing a card on a salver.
“A man!” she exclaimed with annoyance. “I'm not dressed.”