"If you don't love it more than you ought to do, will you give it to me?"
"Never, never! It's my very own."
Faith shut up her box hastily and pocketed the key. After that she only took it out and looked at it when she was quite alone.
Lionel and Fairfax soon went back to school, and Charlie began his lessons again.
Then one Saturday afternoon, just before three o'clock, the Pirate's high dogcart appeared in charge of a groom. A note was sent in, which demanded an answer, and it was addressed to "Little Miss Moth."
Faith's fingers trembled as she opened the envelope.
"Will little Miss Moth keep a lonely old man company this afternoon? If so, she must return in the trap.
"W. CARDWELL."
A very short note, but it sent the colour flying into Faith's cheeks and the light into her eyes.
"Oh, Granny, Aunt Alice, may I go?"
Permission was given. Charity and Hope were very disappointed that they were not asked too. They went out and talked to the groom whilst Faith was getting ready to go, and Hope stroked the bay mare's nose and talked affectionately to her. They were not quite so disappointed when they heard that the Pirate was in London.