"By what rule of right and wrong did you do anything else first? Do you know, Miss Faith, I did not finish mine either—I wanted another piece of bread, and could not get it!"
"Why not, Mr. Linden? I am sure there was bread on the table. But I am glad if you are hungry, for I have got something that you like. Now please rest!" she said springing up and beginning to arrange the table.
"I am sure I asked you for it politely," he said with a smile, as he yielded to her "please rest." "What have you been about all day?"
"I have been learning my lessons—and trying how well I could get on by myself."
"Get on by yourself?" he said rather slowly and inquiringly. "In what?"
"In the books—in my studies, Mr. Linden."
"Are you tired of my help, Miss Faith?"
She gave all her eyes to the answer, both in their sweetness and their gravity. "Do you think I could let you spend all your time upon me, Mr. Linden, when your whole day is given to such work? I'll come to you for help whenever I can't get on without it," she said with a smile, not exactly an enjoying one,—"but I know I can do a good deal by myself."
His eyes were given to the answer too, a little intently, but the smile that followed was different.
"I think you will let me do what I shall do, Miss Faith."