The sunbeams had left the window before Faith was at all aware of the passing away of the afternoon. And then, for once to her joy, Miss Harrison could not be found. They set out to walk home, and had got half way when a little rush of footsteps came up behind them, and Reuben and Sam passed by, arm in arm; or rather half by--then paused and said good evening. "O have you seen Mr. Linden to-night, Dr. Harrison?" said Sam. "Good evening, sir!" said the doctor. "Have I the honour of knowing you?" "I should think you might," said Sam, in a tone not at all displeased--"but it don't signify much. Have you seen him to-night, doctor?" "_I_ should think I might, too," said Dr. Harrison looking coolly over the "young giant." "Allow me to observe, that 'to-night' is not come yet." "Did you ever!" said Sam in an aside to Reuben, who had stood perfectly still without speaking. "Well any time since he got home then, sir?" "No, sir." "Have you, Miss Faith?" said Reuben. "No, Reuben--I am just going home. What's the matter?" "Why he fainted in school--that's all," said Sam,--"he said there was nothing the matter. Only we were going down to see how he got home, and I thought maybe the doctor might tell us first." And not staying for more words the two boys walked on a few steps, then set off and soon ran themselves out of sight. The other two quickened their walk, the doctor moderating his steps however to suit the strength of his companion. But she soon took the lead, and Mrs. Derrick's house was reached in as short a space of time as the ground might be travelled without a speed which Faith did not dare assume. There was nothing alarming in the little parlour. Mrs. Derrick sat knitting; Mr. Linden had been reading, but now was talking--half laughing, half chiding--with the two boys who stood before him. Reuben stood silent, smiling a little; Sam's energy was at work. Faith came in quietly, with a face to which all her quick walk had not brought back the colour. She said nothing. But the doctor's tongue was free. "Why what's this, Linden?" "This is--Linden," said that gentleman coolly. "No boys--go off,--I think I can live without seeing either of you again till to-morrow. What's the matter, Dr. Harrison?" "Just and precisely what I was asking," said the doctor; while Faith glided to her mother and sitting down by her whispered enquiry. But Mrs. Derrick knew nothing--had heard nothing, apparently. "It's for you to state the case--" said Mr. Linden. "You speak as if you had a warrant of arrest in your pocket." "Why!" said the doctor, standing and looking down upon him,--"here's a wind that has blown from nowhere! Do you want me to lodge information against yourself?" "_I_ don't wish to lodge any." "Linden," said the doctor changing his tone to one of serious kindly interest, while Faith's eyes from her more distant seat waited for the answer,--"what is the matter? What made you faint to-day?"