animadversions to merge the binding in the book; and as to him, she might have been one of his school boys, for the straightforward way in which he opened paths of knowledge and led her through. The leading was more careful of her strength, more respectful of her timidity,--was more strictly _leading_ than _pushing_,--that was all. Of course in two weeks, or even in four, the best of teachers and scholars could make but a beginning; but that was well made, and the work went steadily on from thence--despite "teaching all day," despite the various other calls for time and strength. And Faith was as docile and obedient as Johnny Fax himself, and as far as those qualities went, very much in the same way. If the denial of Phil's _information_ and Mr. Linden's manner the day after her overturn, had raised a doubt as to the real abstractness of his regard for her, Faith's modesty and simplicity put the thought well into the background. She did not care to look at it or bring it up; in the full, happy, peaceful hours she was enjoying she had enough, for the present; and so Faith went on very much after her old fashion. A little quieter, perhaps, when not called out of it; a little shyer of even innocently putting herself forward; but in speech or action, speaking and acting with her wonted free simplicity. The only breaks in these weeks were one or two visits to Mrs. Custers, and the doctor's comings and goings. He could not be shut out. The Monday evening after the doctor's absence at Quilipeak, the little party were as usual in the sitting-room; and a pretty chapter of Physical Geography was in process of reading and talk, when the doctor's quick wheels at the door announced not only his return but his arrival. And Mr. Linden announced to his scholar, that it was needful now to return to the surface of the earth and attend to the flow of conversation--and to put the book in his pocket. "Are you glad to see me back?" said the doctor as he took the hand of his patient. He looked rather glad himself. "If I say yes, that will be to confess that I have reason. You perceive my dilemma," Mr. Linden said, but with a smile that was certainly as kind and trustworthy as any the doctor had seen since he went away. "Do you mean--that you have no reason to be glad?" said Dr. Harrison slowly, eying the smile and giving it, to judge by his own, a trustful regard. "Certainly not! It's a comfort to have somebody at hand who is ready to fight me at any moment," said Mr. Linden. "What have you been doing since I went away?" "Reading, writing, and considering the world generally." "From this Pattaquasset centre!" "Why not?--if lines meet and make it one." "How do you get the ends of the lines in your hands!" said the doctor. "A centre, I feel it to be--but very like the centre of the earth--socially and politically. You see, I have just emerged to the surface, and come down again. Who has taken care of you?"