e came again.

"'Twon't hurt you Sam--jest listen once. They say, Sam Stoutenburgh
would have been a Lady apple, if he hadn't grown to be such a Swar, and
all the while _he_ thinks he's a Seek-no-further. That's what folks
says. How d'ye like it?"

"Firstrate!" said Sam--"glad I missed the Lady apples, anyhow,--and as
for 'tother, never thought myself one yet--don't like 'em well enough.
When you get through paying me compliments, Phil Davids, you'd better
go and see Mr. Linden."

"Guess I will!" said Phil swaggering off,--"when I want to see him; and
that aint to-day, by a long jump."

"He said you were to come--" Sam called after him. "If I wasn't a
Stoutenburgh sweeting, Phil Davids, I'd teach you to talk of him so! If
I only was!--" Sam added sotto voce, "wouldn't I pack myself up in a
basket! Robbie, what sort of flowers did Miss Faith have in her
bonnet?" At which interesting point the two turned a corner out of
Phil's sight.

But Phil pursued his way; decently regardless of threats or
invitations, and having a wholesome opinion of his own that in holiday
time Mr. Linden had nothing to say to him. In no possible time had he
anything to say to Mr. Linden that he could help. So it happened, that
coming in soon after Mr. Linden had dismissed his breakfast, Faith
found Mr. Linden alone. She brought to his side a basket of very
fine-looking pears.

"Mr. Davids has sent you these, Mr. Linden."

"He is very kind," said Mr. Linden. "That is more than I asked for. He
hasn't sent Phil in the basket too, has he?--as the easiest way of
getting him here."

Faith rather startled, and passing over that asked Mr. Linden how he
did. Which point, having learned all he wanted upon the other, Mr.
Linden was also ready for. Faith then leaving the basket by the couch
side, went to the fire and hearth, and put them more thoroughly to
rights than Cindy's delicacy of touch, or of eye, had enabled her to
do; and going on round the room, care fully performed the same service
for everything in it generally. This work however was suddenly stopped
in the midst, and coming to the head of the couch, rather behind Mr.
Linden, Faith spoke in a low and ill-assured tone.

"Mr. Linden--will you let me be by this morning when Dr. Harrison
dresses your arm?"

There was a moment's silence, and then raising himself up and turning a
little so as to see her, Mr. Linden answered, gravely though smiling,

"No, Miss Faith!"

She coloured very