"Why don't I always, just where you want me to, child?" said her mother. "I should like to go to Neanticut, besides. I haven't been there this long while. But I guess you and I can open the house, Faith, without Reuben Taylor."
"After all, Mr. Linden," said Faith, "there is a great objection to my driving mother over there,—because she'll drive me."
"There is a great objection to your opening the house—for Reuben has the key—or will have it; and keys you know, are matters of trust, and not transferable. I don't know but Mr. Simlins would make an exception in your favour,—but I shall not ask him."
"I am glad to have Reuben along," said Faith. "And I suppose we must take our dinner with us, Mr. Linden?"
"I have no doubt there will be dinner enough from other quarters," he answered, "but how much of it will be like Mrs. Seacomb's tea I cannot say. I think it would be safe to take a very little basket—such as would suffice for two ladies."
"O with Reuben we can manage nicely," said Faith joyously. He looked at her—pleased with her pleasure.
"Don't make any grand preparation for me," he said,—"you know I must eat in commons—for the same reason that I cannot offer to drive you over."
"Does that mean that you will have to take a piece out of everybody's basket?"
"As near as possible!"
Faith shook her head, but made no further remark.