第83章 ON WEDNESDAY EVENING(3)

Testimonial meetings differ in point of continued interest.This proved to be a good one.The most interesting narrative of the evening was Nat Bonnell's.His self possession,fine presence,and good voice made more effective the marvelous story of his mother's resurrection to strength.He told it with dignity and directness,and Mr.Evringham was impressed.

"What's my rheumatism to that,eh,Jewel?"he whispered,as Nat sat down.

"Just nothing,grandpa,"replied the child.

"You think the Creator'd consider me worth attending to,eh?""God doesn't know you have the rheumatism,"exclaimed Jewel with soft scorn.

"Doesn't?Well!I've always supposed He thought I needed reminding on account of a number of things,and so touched me up with that.Ididn't blame Him much.

"If He knew it,it would be real,and then it couldn't be changed,"returned Jewel earnestly in the ear he bent to her.

The broker sat up and looked down on her large hat and short legs.

"Whew,but I'm a back number!"he mused.

The next testimonial made Jewel's eyes brighten.It was given by a man who told a story of hopeless intemperance and his family's want.The unaffected humility and gratitude that sounded in his voice as he described the changed conditions which followed his cure caused the roses to deepen in Jewel's cheeks.She wondered where Zeke was sitting.

Altogether she was happy over the meeting,and her grandfather's attitude was as kindly as could have been expected.

Eloise came into her mother's room that night,beaming.

"I wish you had come with us,"she said."It was wonderful."Mrs.Evringham turned to her with a lofty air."I have too much loyalty to friendship to be seen in such a place,"she returned.

"Nat said he wouldn't ask you to come down to bid him good-by,because he expects to come out to spend Sundays for a while."Mrs.Evringham looked at her daughter.All the girl's face had lacked of vivacity and happy expression it wore now,making her radiant.

"You could never guess the news I have for you,mother."Mrs.Evringham's lips tightened."Eloise,if you will not marry the fine man who had my entire approval,it will be outrageous for you to marry an ineligible,a young fellow whose goods are all in the show window,who has not proved himself in any way.I refuse to hear your news,"she returned impetuously.

The girl laughed."Do you mean Nat,dear?"she asked,her rosy face coming close."I'm afraid he's going to spoil himself by becoming eligible.He has been telling me a lot about the business to-night.""Ho!Nat Bonnell could always talk."

Eloise's arms closed around her."There's only one source of supply,mother.Nat has found Him.I am finding Him.We shall not want.What do you think I have here for you?Grandfather gave it to me."Eloise put into her mother's hands a draft for a thousand dollars.

Mr.Evringham appeared to lose sight of the dagger she had been seeing before her for days."What is this?"she ejaculated."A present from father?""Not at all.Some unknown man owed it to papa,and his conscience made him pay the debt.It came in grandfather's evening mail,and he has only just opened it."Mrs.Evringham examined the paper eagerly.

"How wonderful!"she exclaimed.

"How natural,"returned Eloise."That is the wonderful part of it."