"Then go on, please, father, because I like a lot of happiness in my stories, and I want that man to hurry up and know that—that error is cheating him."
"Your mother to the rescue, then," replied Harry Evringham, smiling.
Jewel turned to look at her mother, and, rising again, picked up her hassock and carried it to the steamer chair in which Mrs. Evringham was reclining.
Her mother looked into her serious eyes and nodded reassuringly as she began:—
"As that sorry old man stood there on the terrace, things had never looked so black to him. He was so tired, so tired of hating. He longed for a thousand things, he knew not what, but he was sure they were to be found at the Castle of True Delight; but he was shut in! There was no way out. As he was thinking these despairing thoughts and looking about on the scenes which had grown hateful to him, he saw something that made him start. The great iron gates leading out of his grounds opened as once before, and a little girl in white garments came in and moved toward him. His heart leaped at the sight,—and it swelled a bit, too!
"Instead of ordering her off, he hurried toward her and, although he scowled in his eagerness, she smiled and lifted dark eyes that beamed lovingly.
"'I cannot find my way to your country nor to the Castle of True Delight,' said the man, 'and I need you to show me. Since you have found your road hither twice, surely you can go back again.'
"'Yes, easily,' replied Purity, 'and since you know that you need me, you are ready, and the King welcomes all.'