"If Anna Belle was here the whole family would be together," said Jewel
joyously. "I don't care which one I sit by. I love everybody in this
carriage!"

"You do, eh, rascal?" returned her father, putting his hand over in her
silken lap and giving her a little shake. "Where is the great and good Anna
Belle?"

"Waiting for us. Just think of it, all this time! Grandpa, are we going
home with you?"

"What do you mean?" inquired the broker, and the tone of the curt question
chilled the spine of his daughter-in-law. "Were you thinking of spending
the night in the ferry-house, perhaps?"

"Why, no, only mother said"--

Mrs. Evringham pressed the child's arm. "That was nothing, Jewel; I simply
didn't know what the plan was," she put in hastily.

"Oh, of course," went on the little girl. "Mother didn't know aunt Madge
and cousin Eloise were gone, and she didn't believe there'd be room. She
doesn't know how big the house is, does she, grandpa?" An irresistible yawn
seized the child, and in the middle of it her father leaned forward and
chucked her under the chin.

Her jaws came together with a snap. "There! you spoiled that nice one!" she
exclaimed, jumping up and laughing as she flung herself upon her big
playmate, and a small scuffle ensued in which the wide leghorn hat brim