When Jewel had kissed them all good-night and gone upstairs, and Mr. Evringham had withdrawn to his library, Mrs. Evringham took her child's hand and looked fondly into her eyes.
“Well?” she asked.
“Well,” returned Eloise, “do tell me everything Nat said.”
“After you've told me everything Dr. Ballard said. I supposed you'd fly to tell me, dear.”
The girl looked tenderly back into the eyes that were sharp with inquiry. “Dear little mother,” she returned, “it can't be.”
“What can't be?”
“What you wish. Dr. Ballard.”
“Have you—refused him—!” Mrs. Evringham's face whitened, and unconsciously she stepped back.
“It didn't have to come to that. Dr. Ballard is so fine—such a wise man in so many ways. I do admire him so much.”
“What did you say to him? I will know!” exclaimed Mrs. Evringham passionately.