Another friend writes the letter,--one who has built himself a
nest there for summer migrations. It is a strange place, Faith, by all
accounts--I have never been to that part of the mountains. A scattered
population, sprinkled about on the hills like their own dewberries, and
to be found in much the same manner. Neither church nor chapel, but
only an unused schoolhouse--of which Mr. Olyphant prays I will come and
take possession. Snow and frost, the valleys and the everlasting
hills--that would be your society."

Faith's eyes were raised now and met Mr. Linden's. Grave, as one who
felt the weight of the question to be settled; but with a brow
unshadowed, and eyes unfearing. A child's look still!

"Mr. Olyphant says there could not be better air for my bird to sing
in," he went on with a smile,--"there was one great objection to the
place in Pennsylvania. How does this seem to you, dear Faith?--it is
rather on a spur of the mountains--not absolutely shut in. Then I am
not sure how much society you would have but mine,--what do you think
of it, in comparison with Newport?"

She answered at first with a rare little smile, so happy in its grave
trust, and which withal a little significantly deferred the question.

"I know you will go where you think you ought to go. Endy--I don't know
about places."

"I doubt whether I shall grant more than half of Mr. Alcott's request,"
said Mr. Linden. "I suppose if George has not got home I may venture to
grant that. Faith, it is a very singular fact that everybody falls in
love with you."

To judge by Faith's blush, it was a somewhat painful "fact." "Whom are
you talking of?" she said doubtfully.

"The present occasion of my remark is George Alcott--said to be absent
on a crusade of search after a pair of eyes he saw in Pattaquasset."

"I don't know him," said Faith laughing a little; but instantly
recurring to business she asked very earnestly, "Then, Endy, you think
you will go to that place in the mountains?--or haven't you made up
your mind?"

"I am inclined to that one, of the three--I cannot say my mind is
absolutely made up. It has had so much else to do since I came home!
Faith, do you mean to have any bridesmaids?"

Faith jumped up off her rock. "Endy, I want to run down and look at
these little fish. And it's growing late, besides!"--

"Yes, but, you must answer me first," said Mr. Linden laughing and
holding her fast. "It is needful I should know beforehand, bec