set again, and to further conjurations
with Best. They could not have taken long; for when, some hour later,
Mr. Linden was nearing the house on his return, he had a pretty view of
her, standing all dressed before the fire in his study. The glow shone
all over her--he could see her well, and her fresh neatness. He could
see more. Faith Linden to-night was not just the Faith Derrick of old
time; nor even of six months ago. The old foundations of character were
all there, intact; but upon them sat a nameless grace, not simply of
cultivation, nor of matured intelligence, nor even of happiness. A
certain quiet elegance, a certain airy dignity--which had belonged to
her only since she had been _Mr. Linden's wife_. She stood there,
waiting now for him to come home.

The firelight caught behind her the gleam of silver, whether Mr. Linden
could see it or not, where the little chocolatiere stood brilliant.
Faith had found that in her last rummaging. Miss Bezac's new trencher
and bread knife were on the table too, with a loaf of Mrs. Olyphant's
bread; and the fireshine gleamed on Mr. Alcott's saltcellars, and on
the Mignonette tea service. Faith evidently had pleased her fancy. But
now her fancy had forgotten it or left it in the background; and for
what, was well shown by her spring as she caught the sound of the
coming step. She met Mr. Linden at the door, gladness in every line and
movement, and yet the same grace over all her action now, that a minute
before was in all her repose. She said nothing at all.

"Watching for me, my dear child!" he said. "Faith, you have been on my
heart all these hours."

She waited till he had come up to the fire, and then softly inquired,
"What for?"--"'What for no?'" he said, smiling, but giving her face a
somewhat earnest consideration. "Have you been asleep?"--"Yes. And then
I thought I might go after my chocolate pot, in the closet."

"Sensible child! What did you think upon the great question of setting
forth to see me safe over the bridge?"--Her face changed, though
smiling. She whispered--"I did see you safe over it." But his lips were
grave instantly, and the eyes even flushed. And Faith could see then
that he was exceedingly tired. Gently her hands rather insinuated than
pushed him into the chair, and she ran away to give an order; coming
back to do two or three other things for his comfort. Still silent,
standing there beside his chair, she presently stooped and put her
fresh sweet