"Never so happy, Jewel," he answered.
She turned to her grandfather. "When is father coming back again?" she asked.
"As soon as he can," was the reply.
"You don't want me until September, I believe," said the young man bluntly. He still retained the consciousness, half amused, half hurt, that his father considered him superfluous.
"Why, September is almost next winter," said Jewel appealingly.
Mr. Evringham looked his son full in the eyes and liked the direct way they met him.
"The latchstring will be out from now on, Harry I want you to feel that it is your latchstring as much as mine."
His son did not speak, but the way the two men suddenly clasped hands gave Jewel a very comforted sensation.
"And you don't feel a bit sorry to be going alone to Chicago?" she pursued, again centring her attention and embrace upon her father.
"I tell you I was never so happy in my life," he responded, kissing her and setting her on her feet. "Are you going to allow me to drive to the station in your place this morning?"