Faith heard their retreating steps, and turning to take off her apron saw the dish of hot clams still on the stove, and that Reuben had removed himself outside the door, quite beyond the conversation but not beyond call. He stood looking thoughtfully out towards the muscle rocks. "Oh Reuben! there you are. Come!" said Faith; "you're going in with me. _You_'re going to have some supper to-night, whoever else does. You open the door, and I'll take in this dish. You keep by me, Reuben." "Please let me take the dish, then, Miss Faith,--I can open the door first." But Faith had her own way, and followed by Reuben carried the clams into the supper room, where some of the company were already seated, and others stood waiting. Squire Deacon had not only given the desired introduction, but had (self-denyingly) placed Mr. Linden next Miss Cilly at the table,--where he stood. "Here's a contribution," said Faith,--"if somebody 'll make a place for it. Thank you, Mr. Deacon. Now Reuben,--come here." And refusing more than one offer of a place at the table, Faith made her way down to the 'well end' where there was room for two--at a remote distance from the tea and coffee. What else was there not, upon that table! "Won't you take a seat, Mr. Linden?" said Miss Cecilia. "I hope you've got room there. Jerushy, can't you shove down a little? I hope my coffee-pot's not disagreeable." "I hope not!" said Mr. Linden, surveying the coffee-pot. "How long does it take to declare itself, Miss Deacon?" "O it won't do anything, but spout coffee," said the young lady,--"if you don't mind that. Won't you be helped to what you like, Mr. Linden? I hope you have enjoyed our shore party this afternoon." "Thank you"--said Mr. Linden, feeling perhaps that it was not _their_ party he had enjoyed,--"there has been a combination of pleasant things. As far as I could judge the bathers enjoyed their particular expedition." "O yes, it was delightful--invigorating. Mr. Simlins, I think Mr. Linden will like a piece of that cherry-pie with his clams. Do you take cheese, Mr. Linden? Is your coffee agreeable? There is the cold tongue by you, Jerushy.--I hope you like Pattaquasset." "Ask Mr Linden whether Pattaquasset ain't a good place for handsome gals," said Mr. Simlins, as he handed over the piece of cherry-pie. "He knows by this time. I say there's a con-catenation of beauty now here this afternoon. If you look from the top to the bottom of the table, now, ain't it true, sir?" Mr. Linden certainly looked from the top to the bottom of the table, and then setting the plate of cherry-pie as far from his clams as he could, he said, "Miss Deacon--let me help you,--tell me where these cups belong, and I will convey them to their destination."