e was glad her
mother could make nothing of if she saw. "I have been as busy as you
have, mother--so I couldn't look _you_ up--nor my wood-box either."

"Learning all the world!" said her mother smiling, though there was a
little touch of regretfulness not quite kept down. "I think I'd rather
sit and look at you, child, than eat my dinner. What are you going to
do this after noon?"

"I've got a little ironing to do after dinner, mother, and something to
make for tea--and Mr. Linden wants to see me for something. I'll get
ready for Judge Harrison's, and then after I am through up stairs I'll
come down and see to you and my box together. I wish you were going
with me, mother."

And Faith leaned her head on her hand.

"Don't you want to go, pretty child?" said Mrs. Derrick fondly.

"No, mother--but I couldn't help it. I found I should have to go sooner
or later."

"I'd go with you in a minute," said her mother, "if it wasn't for Mr.
Linden. I don't care a pin whether they want me or not, Faith, if _you_
do. And I dare say some of the boys will be here"--Mrs. Derrick looked
perplexed, as at the feeling of some unknown possibility. "Shall I,
pretty child?" she said with an anxious face,--"what are you thinking
of, child?"

Faith came behind her and put both arms round her and kissed first one
side of her face and then the other.

"Mother!" she said with those silvery tones,--"I don't want anything! I
suppose I shall like to see the microscope--but I'd rather stay at home
and learn my lessons. Don't look _so!_"--Which with another kiss upon
her lips, finished off Mrs. Derrick's anxiety.

The ironing and the 'something for tea' Faith despatched with extra
diligence and speed, and then dressed herself for the evening. It was
not much extra dressing; only a dark stuff dress a little finer than
ordinary; the white ruffle round the neck and wrists was the same. And
then, giving a few minutes to the seeking of some added help to
quietness, for Faith's mind had been strangely disturbed, she went
again to Mr. Linden's room. A gentle vision she was, if ever one was
seen, when she entered it.

"You say I mustn't thank you, Mr. Linden," she said giving him back his
sister's letter;--"but--will you thank her for me?"

"I don't think she deserves many thanks," he said with a smile, "but I
will tell her."

The course of study that afternoon was peculiar, and eminently a
_talk_. Mr. Linden called for none of the usual books