But the Squire, as if a new idea had struck him, replied somewhat brusquely, "It don't lie nowheres, sir, nowheres but in fancy's field." "I suppose," said Mr. Somers smiling blandly, "Mr. Linden's peculiar course of business don't lead him much into that field." "You can strike into it 'most anywhere," said Miss Danforth. "Mr. Linden's an early man--he'll find the valley of diamonds, if it's in the town." "Miss Faith told me there were stones enough here," he said, "but she did not hint that any of them were precious." "We shall expect," said Mr. Somers, "to see some of our stones--I mean, some of our hard heads and thick heads--grow precious, or--a--improve!--under Mr. Linden's management." "Pray sir," said Squire Deacon, suddenly recollecting that he was a 'trusty,' "what do you consider the best plan for the instruction of youth? what is your method?" Mr. Linden looked contemplatively out of the window. "I think sir, if the boys are very rough I should first teach them manners. If they are smoother boys, I should teach them spelling,--if they have already learned spelling, I should let them read." The Squire bowed. "Quite satisfactory, sir. Mr. Somers--I think perhaps Mr. Linden would like to visit our little temple of litteratur." "I should be very gratified to accompany Mr. Linden in viewing so much of Pattaquasset. I trust, Mr. Linden, that the highest--ha--the moral and religious teaching, of the youth here, will not be quite overlooked in your system." The reply that first rose to Mr. Linden's lips came not forth. He checked himself--rather perhaps in deference to the subject than anything else, and simply answered, "I trust not, sir." And with many low bows from the Squire, the two gentlemen went into the hall, Mr. Linden following. But he came back the next moment to ask the dinner hour. "We are as apt to have it at noon as any time," said Faith. "Will that do, Mr. Linden? we could have it later." "That will do perfectly. Only if the 'temple of literature' opens and swallows me up, Miss Faith, don't wait--that's all." And with a smile that was a strong contrast to the face he had bestowed upon the trustees, he went after them. CHAPTER III. Monday morning came, with its hands full of work. They were willing hands that were outstretched to receive the load,--strong hands too, and skilful; but it may be, better suited to other work. Certainly as the days passed Endecott's gravity took a deeper tinge, and his words became fewer. Still maintaining his morning walk, and a like tasting of the air at night,--ever punctual at meals, and when there displaying an unruffled equanimity and cheerfulness,--the even tones of his voice shewed sometimes a little weariness, and his step grew more thoughtful. And so the week rolled on, and the afternoon sun of Friday began to near the horizon.