"Don't mind his nonsense, Faith! Julius never can talk like anybody else. Why haven't you been here this age?" "I've been busy, Sophy." "Why wouldn't you go to ride with us? Julius wouldn't go after what you said. Why wouldn't you?" "It was Sunday, Sophy." "Well--what if it was?" "Sunday isn't my day--I can't use it for my own work." "But taking a little ride isn't work?" Faith hesitated. "Isn't it work to the horses, Sophy? And if it is only pleasure--Sunday has its own pleasures, dear Sophy,--I can't have both." "Why can't you?" "Because,--if I take these, God will not give me those," Faith said very gravely. "But Faith!"--said Miss Harrison looking disturbed,--"you didn't use to be so religious?" Faith's face flushed a little and was touchingly humble as she said, "No--I didn't." "What's changed you so?" "It isn't a bad change, dear Sophy!" "I don't believe anything's bad about you," said Miss Harrison kissing her,--"but don't change too far, dear; don't forget your old friends." "I want them to change too," said Faith looking at her winningly. "That's right Faith, stand by your colours!" said Mrs. Somers, with a tone and manner that came quite from the other side of her character. "Sophy--your mother wouldn't know her child, to hear you ask such questions." Miss Harrison looked troubled, and left the room. Dr. Harrison immediately took her place, and almost as immediately tea came in. That is to say, tea and chocolate were handed round, together with a sufficient abundance and variety of delicate substantials to suit the air and the style of a country town. Judge Harrison's was the only house in Pattaquasset where tea was served in this way,--except perhaps the De Staff's; though there was this difference to be observed,--the De Staffs never had tea carried round unless when they had company; at the Harrisons' it was never carried round unless they were alone. Dr. Harrison attended politely to his aunt, but he was eyes and hands for Faith; finding at the same time very agreeable occupation for her ears. If people could be content with being agreeable! But in the midst of cold tongue and chocolate the doctor broke out again. "After all," said he,--"what about that piece of curious information, Miss Derrick? You know I was balked this morning and led a Will o' the wisp chase after the Idea! Is Mr. Linden in the habit of spoiling people's fun in that manner?" Faith said simply she did not know. She did not, but in private she thought it likely enough. "Well, about the question," said the doctor helping her to something at the same time,--"what was the truth of it, Miss Derrick? You see I am interested. Was our little informant correct?"