"You need not speak so assuredly—there were two parties to the question—besides you. But I have him still, you know, in a way. What has been in hand since this little book was finished?"
"Nothing—except the Philosophe,—and—"
"Well?—isn't that blank to be filled up?"
"And Shakspeare," said Faith casting down her eyes.
"I cannot let you confine yourself to the study of human nature," said Mr. Linden,—"that will never do. Charles twelfth and Shakspeare want ground to stand upon. Did you ever read anything of Physical Geography?"
She shook her head. "I don't know what that is, Mr. Linden."
"Then I will have the pleasure of introducing you. Ordinary geography is but a shell without it. And if we accidentally go deeper down than the stratum of geography, I will try and bring you back safe. But Miss Faith, you have not done with this book yet—the subject-matter of it. I want you to carry that further."
"Well," she said smiling,—"I like it. I am ready. What comes next, Mr.
Linden?"
"Did you pay any attention to the algebra part of the examination yesterday?"
"Yes, I believe so. I paid attention to it all—I didn't understand what some of it was about, but I believe I know what you mean."