"I think not, dearie. Business must come before pleasure, you know."
Her three companions looking at the child saw her swallow with an effort. She dropped the chocolate she had taken back into the box.
A heroic smile came to her trembling lips as she lifted her eyes to the impassive face of the tall, handsome man beside her. "It's to-morrow, grandpa," she said softly, with a look that begged him to remember.
He stooped until his gaze was on a level with hers. She did not touch him. All her forces were bent on self-control.
"I have been asking your mother," said Mr. Evringham, "to stay here a while and take a vacation. Hasn't she told you?"
Jewel shook her head mutely.
"I think she will do it if you add your persuasion," continued the broker quietly. "She ought to have rest,—and of course you would stay too, to take care of her."
A flash like sunlight illumined the child's tears. Mr. Evringham expected to feel her arms thrown around his neck. Instead, she turned suddenly, and running to her father, jumped into his lap.
"Father, father," she said, "don't you want us to go with you?"
Harry cleared his throat. The little scene had moistened his eyes as well. "Am I of any consequence?" he asked, with an effort at jocoseness.