"It has been said before," rejoined the broker modestly.
When outdoor gayeties had to be dispensed with one day, on account of a thorough downpour of rain, the last story in Jewel's book was called for.
The little circle gathered in the big living-room; there was no question now as to whether Mr. Evringham should be present.
"It is Hobson's choice this time," said Mrs. Evringham, "so we'll all choose the story, won't we?"
"Let Anna Belle have the turn, though," replied Jewel. "She chose the first one and she must have the last, because she doesn't have so much fun as the rest of us." She hugged the doll and kissed her cheeks comfortingly. It was too true that often of late Anna Belle did not accompany all the excursions, but she went to bed with Jewel every night, and it was seldom that the child was too sleepy to take her into full confidence concerning the events of the day; and Anna Belle, being of a sedentary turn and given to day dreams, was apparently quite as well pleased.
Now Mr. Evringham settled in a big easy-chair; the reader took a small one by the window, and Jewel sat on the rug before the fire, holding Anna Belle.
"Now we're off," said Mr. Evringham.
"Go to sleep if you like, father," remarked the author, smiling, and then she began to read the story entitled