"My dear friends," said the doctor raising his voice again, and giving his sister at the same time the benefit of a slight play of face which others were not so situated they could see,--"You have all done yourselves and somebody else, a great deal of credit. I hope you will thank him;--as we wish to shew our pleasure to you. It was not to be expected that everybody would be first this time--though on the next occasion I have no doubt that will prove to be the case; but as we could not of course in consequence give stars to all, we will do the best we can. Reuben Taylor--" Again Reuben came forward; the doctor had pulled off the red cloth, and a tempting pile of books, large and small and nicely bound, rose up to view upon the table. And Miss Harrison as Reuben came near, chose out one of the best and handed it to him, saying softly, "You have done very well." Now Miss Sophy Harrison was, as everyone knew and said, thoroughly good and kind, like her father. She had chosen the books. And the one she had given Reuben was a very nice copy of the Pilgrim's Progress. She might have felt herself repaid by the one earnest look his eyes gave her,--then he bowed silently and retired. The list would be too long to go through. Every one was pleased this time; the Harrisons had done the thing well; and it may only be noted in passing that Johnny Fax's delight and red ribband were crowned and finished oil with an excellent Robinson Crusoe. Then broke up and melted off the assembled throng, like--I want a simile,--like the scattering of a vapoury cloud in the sky. It was everywhere and nowhere directly--that which before had been a distinct mass. "Faith," said Miss Cecilia, almost before this process or dispersion commenced,--"where _did_ you get such a pretty nosegay this time of year?" "They grew--" said Faith smiling. "Did they come out of your own garden." "We don't keep oak trees in our garden." "I declare! it's elegant. Faith, give me just one of those red leaves, won't you? I want it." "No indeed!" said Faith, starting back and shielding the oak leaves with her hand, as that of Miss Deacon approached them. "What are you thinking of?" "Thinking of!" said Cecilia colouring. "So, Faith, I hear you've set up for a school teacher?" "I've one little scholar," said Faith quietly. "That isn't much 'setting up,' Cecilia." "One scholar!" said Cecilia contemptuously. "Didn't you go over with all the boys to Neanticut the other day?" "Yes," said Faith laughing, "indeed I did; but I assure you I didn't go to teach school." "Miss Derrick," said Dr. Harrison, offering his arm to Faith,--"my sister begs the favour of your assistance--instantly and urgently--you know I presume for what?" "Yes, I know, Dr. Harrison," said Faith smiling--"I left it unfinished"-- And the two walked away together.