And so the doctor went. A quarter of an hour or a little more had gone by, when the light knock came at Mr. Linden's door that he had certainly learned to know by this time; and Faith came in, bearing a cup of cocoa. The troubled look had not entirely left her face, nor the changeful colour; but she was not thinking of herself.
"I knew you were tired, Mr. Linden—Would you like this—or some grapes—or wine—better?"
The most prominent idea in Mr. Linden's mind just then, was that he had already had what he did not like; but that had no place in the look which answered her, as he raised himself a little (and but a little) to take the cup from her hand.
"Pet would thank you better than I can now, Miss Faith."
She stood looking down at him, with a little sorrowing touch about the lines of her mouth.
"Do you know how much better two cups of cocoa are than one?" said Mr.
Linden.
"I don't know how you can have two at once, Mr. Linden."
"Then I will bestow one upon you—and wait while you get it."
"I am well—" she said, looking amused through her gravity, and shaking her head. "And besides, I couldn't take it, Mr. Linden." And to put an end to that subject, Faith had recourse to the never failing wood fire; and from thence went round the room finishing what she had failed to do in the morning; coming back at the point of time to take Mr. Linden's cup. He looked at her a little as he gave it back.
"You are too tired to go over all those lessons to-day—which do you like best? will you bring it?"