"Dr. Harrison'll be sure to come--and you mustn't be standing here then." For the first time Faith's head drooped, and she turned, but it was to pass her mother and go upstairs; laying her hand for an instant as she went, with a kind of caressing touch, on her mother's arm; then she was gone. Mrs. Derrick stood where Faith left her, the still mist before her out of doors, the still house behind her. And there she stood until her ear caught the distant smooth roll of wheels. Softly it came, nearing her every minute, till Mrs. Somers' little wagon stopped at the gate, and Dr. Harrison jumped down and came towards her. Another had seen him, for Mrs. Derrick knew that a light step had come swiftly down stairs, but whither it went she knew not. The doctor spoke cheerily. "Nasty thick evening! My dear Mrs. Derrick, do you stand at the door to shew your hospitality in welcoming your friends, all night?" "It _is_ late," said Mrs. Derrick. The doctor's words were too slippery for her to get hold of; she waited for him to speak again. "If it is late, my dear madam, why are you here? I don't want you to see me ever for anything but pleasure. Is it so late I mustn't come in?" Mrs. Derrick stepped back into the hall--then stopped and turned. "I was there to watch, Dr. Harrison. What have you got to tell me? One story has come already." "Has it! Then I can tell you but half a one. I was thinking to make my fortune. Mr. Linden is spending the night at a friend's house, my dear Mrs. Derrick--that is all. He is as well as you are--though perhaps just at this minute not quite so strong as I am. But I am afraid he can boast more than that in another few days." That Mrs. Derrick felt at once relieved, doubtful, unsatisfied, was clear. But the relief--slight as it was--brought back her hospitality; she led the way into the parlour. "What has been the matter?" she said. "What _is_ the matter?" "_I_ don't know," said the doctor. "He fell in with somebody carrying a gun--which was very likely to happen, seeing I have met a great many myself; but I never fell _out_ with any of them yet--perhaps my time will come.--This fellow however, let off his gun in the wrong place and some of the shot hit Mr. Linden in the arm, and before he could get to Mr. Simlins, where I found him, he was a little faint. So I commanded him to stay where he was till morning. That's all. He's perfectly well, I give you my word. I came now on purpose to relieve you from anxiety. He wanted to come down with me, but I wouldn't let him." "Why didn't you let him?" said Mrs. Derrick. "Well, I came near letting him," said the doctor,--"for I didn't know at one time that I could help it. It wouldn't have hurt him seriously. But he'll see you with more pleasure to-morrow." "I can't think how you made out to hinder him at all!" said Mrs. Derrick, looking a little puzzled. "But I'm much obliged to you, doctor, for coming."