"Mr. Linden," said Faith, "I want to ask something—will you tell me if you don't like it?"
"Don't like to have you ask me, do you mean? I do like it."
"Then," said Faith half laughing, "will you tell me it you don't quite like what I mean?"
"I'll see—" Mr. Linden replied with a smile. "It's not safe for teachers to commit themselves."
"But I must commit myself," said Faith. "I want to go and pick up nuts with the boys under the trees—may I?"
She looked for her answer with an eye that thought he might possibly find an objection where she saw none.
He paused a little before he replied,
"I think you may—if I could be among them and answer for their good behaviour I should not need to think about it; but you know a man loses power when he is too far above the heads of his audience. Yet I think I may trust them—and you," he added with a little smile. "Especially as the first tree touched this afternoon is yours."
"What does that mean?" said Faith, her doubt all gone.
"Do you think I shall so far forget my office as to let them pick up nuts for nobody but themselves? Therefore the first tree this afternoon is for you—or if you please for your mother; the second for Mr. Simlins. If that will take away your desire for the 'fun,' why I cannot help it."