n said. "You know
we have other things to do--this can wait till you choose."

"I like to tell it," she said with another quick glance and a quick
breath,--"but the visit comes next--and I don't know how to tell you of
that. Mr. Linden, I wish you could see that woman!--And if you can't
soon, I must,--somehow."

"If I can't--or if I can, I will find you the 'somehow,' if you want to
go. And if you will let me," he added. "Is she really dying?"

"She says so--" Faith said low. And was silent a bit.

"Then we set out to come home, and all went very well till we were half
way on the road; but then the horses seemed to grow more frisky than
ever--I think the wind excited them; and Dr. Harrison had his hands
full, I could see, to hold them in, especially after we turned
Lamprey's corner and the wind was in their faces. I think it was
something suddenly flung over the fence, that started them off to
run--and then they ran faster and faster, and reins and bits were of no
use at all."

Faith was excited herself, and spoke slowly and low and with hindered
breath.

"I saw they were getting more and more furious,--and there were a few
minutes, Mr. Linden, when I thought I should maybe never see home
again.--And then I thanked you in my heart."

"_Me?_" he said with quick emphasis, and looking at her.

Faith did not look at him, but after a pause went on very quietly.

"I mean, on earth I thanked you. The end of it was, they took a new
fright at something, I believe, just at the top of a hill; and after
that it was all a whirl. I hardly knew anything--till I found myself
lying on the ground in the meadow. The horses had jumped the carriage
and all clean over the fence. The fence was just below the foot of the
hill; the road took a turn there.--Sam told you the rest--didn't he,
Mr. Linden?"

He said "yes," and not another word, but lay there still with those
closely shielded eyes; and lips unbent from their usual repose, with
grave humbleness and grief and joy. The silence lasted till Faith spoke
again. And that was some little space of time. A shade graver and lower
her tone was when she spoke.

"I shall never forget after this, that it is 'part of a Christian's
sailing-orders to speak every vessel he meets.'--I think I shall never
forget it again."

Mr. Linden did look then at the little craft that had begun her voyage
so undauntedly under the Christian colours, though what he thought of
her he said not; apparently