"What nonsense have those boys been talking?" said Mr. Linden--but his look carried the charge a little beyond the range of his words. "I was faint for awhile--not quite in a 'deadly swoond,' however." "That young scapegrace said and declared you had fainted." "They are so used to their own red cheeks, they think red is 'the only colour,'" said Mr. Linden. "However, I believe he spoke true--but it was nothing worth speaking of, after all." "What was the cause?" "I presumed a little upon the successful way in which I got through yesterday--tried to do a little too much to-day, had one or two things to try me--and so. Which of my boys do you honour with that title of scapegrace?" "You mustn't do so again," said the doctor seriously. "There was no malice prepense to-day," said Mr. Linden. "What have you been about all the afternoon?--I expect to hear that you have sailed up the Great Pyramid in a canal boat, or coasted Japan in a Chinese lantern." "Nearly right," said the doctor. "We have been enacting the part of the wise men of Gotham--I can't imagine where I ever heard of them!--who went to sea in a tub." "Went to see--what?--" said Mr. Linden laughing. "Went to Se-vast-a-pool!" said the doctor with perfect gravity. "I hope you're better!" "Don't I look well?" "If I were to take the votes on that subject," said the doctor, "I presume the verdict would be unanimous. But looks are proverbially--unsatisfactory! Do you know what damage you have done me by your exploit this afternoon?" "I should be very glad to hear." "Why you have brought me into discredit and disfavour with half Pattaquasset, man, because I have let you go out too soon--don't you see? Mrs. Derrick has already laid it to her account against me--which is getting to be a score I shall never dare to foot up." Faith had left the room for a minute, and coming back again began to make ready the table for tea. Dr. Harrison's eyes followed her. She was not looking as she had looked at his anemones; quiet, sweet, and grave, she went round gathering up the books, and arranging the cups and plates. But the doctor, though asked, would not stay. He went off and the tea was brought in. "Miss Faith," said Mr. Linden, "if you are half as ready for that exercise as I am, we shall get on superbly to-night." She almost started. "You, Mr. Linden! Oh you're not fit for it!" "Not fit for it!--Miss Faith, how can you say that to me?" "Let it be so to-night, Mr. Linden!" "I shall do nothing of the kind, Miss Faith, by your leave. You know I can rest here most comfortably, and make you work--after the same fashion, I hope. I am a little afraid," he said looking at her, "that you are working too much." "Why, Mr. Linden? How could I?" "By not keeping your studies well balanced with fresh air." "O no!" she said smiling. "The work is a great deal better than the fresh air. Besides, I have been out to-day."