In a minute Jewel looked up, revealing her swollen eyes. “I'm ashamed,” she said softly, “but he was—so—be—autiful—I forgot to remember.”
“Well, I guess you did forget to remember,” returned Mr. Evringham, shaking his head and leading the child to her pony's side.
He lifted her into the saddle and arranged her skirt, brushing away the dust.
“Grandpa!” she exclaimed softly, with a long, quivering sigh, “I'm so happy!”
“Have you ever ridden, Jewel?”
“Oh, yes, a thousand times,” she answered quickly; “but not on a real horse,” she added as an afterthought.
“H'm. That might make a difference.” Mr. Evringham loosed the pony and put the white bridle in the child's hands; then he led the pretty creature down the woodland road.
“I'm so happy,” repeated Jewel. “What will mother and father say!”
“You'll be a regular circus rider by the time they come home.”
As the broker spoke these words Zeke appeared around the bend in the road, riding Essex Maid. His face was alight with interest in the sight that met him.