"Then shall I come by and by?" she said. "I must do something else before dinner." CHAPTER XXIII. "Well child!" said Mrs. Derrick as they took their seats at the dinner-table, "what _have_ you been about all day? I've just spent the morning looking over those apples, so I've had no chance to look you up. How's Mr. Linden? does the doctor think he's getting better?" "He is, I hope, mother; the doctor didn't say anything about it." And a little shudder ran over Faith's shoulders, which she was glad her mother could make nothing of if she saw. "I have been as busy as you have, mother--so I couldn't look _you_ up--nor my wood-box either." "Learning all the world!" said her mother smiling, though there was a little touch of regretfulness not quite kept down. "I think I'd rather sit and look at you, child, than eat my dinner. What are you going to do this after noon?" "I've got a little ironing to do after dinner, mother, and something to make for tea--and Mr. Linden wants to see me for something. I'll get ready for Judge Harrison's, and then after I am through up stairs I'll come down and see to you and my box together. I wish you were going with me, mother." And Faith leaned her head on her hand. "Don't you want to go, pretty child?" said Mrs. Derrick fondly. "No, mother--but I couldn't help it. I found I should have to go sooner or later." "I'd go with you in a minute," said her mother, "if it wasn't for Mr. Linden. I don't care a pin whether they want me or not, Faith, if _you_ do. And I dare say some of the boys will be here"--Mrs. Derrick looked perplexed, as at the feeling of some unknown possibility. "Shall I, pretty child?" she said with an anxious face,--"what are you thinking of, child?" Faith came behind her and put both arms round her and kissed first one side of her face and then the other. "Mother!" she said with those silvery tones,--"I don't want anything! I suppose I shall like to see the microscope--but I'd rather stay at home and learn my lessons. Don't look _so!_"--Which with another kiss upon her lips, finished off Mrs. Derrick's anxiety. The ironing and the 'something for tea' Faith despatched with extra diligence and speed, and then dressed herself for the evening. It was not much extra dressing; only a dark stuff dress a little finer than ordinary; the white ruffle round the neck and wrists was the same. And then, giving a few minutes to the seeking of some added help to quietness, for Faith's mind had been strangely disturbed, she went again to Mr. Linden's room. A gentle vision she was, if ever one was seen, when she entered it. "You say I mustn't thank you, Mr. Linden," she said giving him back his sister's letter;--"but--will you thank her for me?" "I don't think she deserves many thanks," he said with a smile, "but I will tell her."