Mr. Reeves composed his countenance with some difficulty, and catching the wandering eye, gave his friend a grave bow.
Testimonial meetings differ in point of continued interest. This proved to be a good one. The most interesting narrative of the evening was Nat Bonnell's. His self possession, fine presence, and good voice made more effective the marvelous story of his mother's resurrection to strength. He told it with dignity and directness, and Mr. Evringham was impressed.
“What's my rheumatism to that, eh, Jewel?” he whispered, as Nat sat down.
“Just nothing, grandpa,” replied the child.
“You think the Creator'd consider me worth attending to, eh?”
“God doesn't know you have the rheumatism,” exclaimed Jewel with soft scorn.
“Doesn't? Well! I've always supposed He thought I needed reminding on account of a number of things, and so touched me up with that. I didn't blame Him much.
“If He knew it, it would be real, and then it couldn't be changed,” returned Jewel earnestly in the ear he bent to her.
The broker sat up and looked down on her large hat and short legs. “Whew, but I'm a back number!” he mused.
The next testimonial made Jewel's eyes brighten. It was given by a man who told a story of hopeless intemperance and his family's want. The unaffected humility and gratitude that sounded in his voice as he described the changed conditions which followed his cure caused the roses to deepen in Jewel's cheeks. She wondered where Zeke was sitting.