hat I thought more
of your mother last night than I did of you. But you don't remember all
about that. Well--I shall go home and tell Mrs. Stoutenburgh that
you're as pretty as a posie, and then she won't care what else is the
matter," he said, getting up again. "Mrs. Somers, I see the parson
durstn't say a word about Dr. Harrison before you."

"I--I declare I don't think Dr. Harrison is very much to be blamed,
Squire," said the parson thus called upon. "And Mrs. Somers is so well
able to speak for herself--I have no doubt, Squire Stoutenburgh, if it
wasn't for Mrs. Somers,--I dare say I might like to do as much as the
doctor did, myself!"

"Bless my life!" said Squire Stoutenburgh, "I can't stay to be a party
to confidences of that sort!--I must go!--" and he departed, laughing
and followed by the two others.

But even as they went, Faith, who with her mother had accompanied them
to the door, was electrified somewhat doubtfully at the vision of Miss
Deacon just within the gate. Miss Cecilia came forward, also with some
doubt upon her spirit, to judge by her air. But Faith's greeting of her
was so pleasant and kind, though she could not prevent its being grave,
that the young lady evidently took heart. Being reassured, she sat and
talked at leisure, and at length, using her eyes as well as her tongue;
thus making herself mistress of all the truth she could get at, and of
some more. She was thorough in her investigations as to all the drama
of the last seven days, and all and each of the actors therein; and at
the close of her visit declared that "Sam had been a great fool to go
away, and that she had told him so before"; and departed at last with
her head full of Dr Harrison.

But detentions were not over. Miss Bezac came before Miss Deacon was
quit of the parlour; and before Miss Bezac had been two minutes there,
other members of the Pattaquasset community came pouring in. Everybody
must see Faith, hear particulars, discuss realities and possibilities
of the accident, and know how Mr. Linden was getting along. The hours
of the afternoon waned away; but people came as people went; and it was
not till long shadows and slant sunbeams began to give note of supper
time, that the influx lessened and the friends gathered in Mrs.
Derrick's parlour began to drop away without others stepping in to take
their place.

"Faith," said her mother when they were at last alone, "I can't bear
this any longer! I shall go crazy if I