different sort of
gravity, which gladness did not quite cover up. He asked no questions
but with his eyes, and did not say much but with his lips; then carried
her down to the breakfast-room.

"Mignonette," he said, "what time to-day will it please you to take a
drive?"

The pleasure of the idea brought the colour to Faith's cheeks. "I
suppose I had better ask Dr. Harrison first whether I may go," she said
gravely.

"Not at all. He has nothing whatever to say about it."

"Then as soon as he is gone, I am ready."

"We will not wait for him," said Mr. Linden.

"But Endy, later will do just as well, won't it?"

"No, love--not half so well."

"Why?"

"Principally, because I want you to be out when Dr. Harrison comes."
And quitting that subject, Mr. Linden wheeled her round to the nearer
consideration of biscuits and coffee; leaving Dr. Harrison, for the
time, quite out of sight. Out of his own sight, that is; for Faith
plainly did not forget him. She was a delicious thing to take care of
this morning; in that delicacy of bodily condition to which the strong
love to minister, and a tenderness of spirit which grew out of other
things and which to-day she had no force to hide. And there was an
apprehension which Mr. Linden could see behind her eyes every time they
came to his face. Faith was gathering her powers for a struggle. Yet
she had no mind to begin it, and waited after breakfast till Mr. Linden
should bring up the subject again. He seemed in no haste to bring it
up. For some reason or other, he was in a mood that could not do enough
for her. It was a mood Faith must try.

As the morning had worn on and she saw some preliminary movement on Mr.
Linden's part, which looked like action, she put her hand in his and
lifted her eyes to his face, with a gentle plea in them, speaking in
musical softness. "Endy, will you let me wait till Dr. Harrison has
made his visit?" The little hand was clasped and held fast.

"He would not wish to see you with me, Mignonette--and I certainly will
not let him see you without."

"O why, Endy?"

"Because--Mignonette I cannot tell you. Don't ask me."

Faith flushed and looked troubled but somewhat timid too, and asked no
more. She puzzled over the subject.

"Then, Endy, suppose we don't go out to drive to-day?"

"Suppose we do. What are you rouging your cheeks for?" he added
smiling. "Faith, I know I have no legal right to control your
actions--and yet in this case you mus