Faith had left the room for a minute, and coming back again began to make ready the table for tea. Dr. Harrison's eyes followed her. She was not looking as she had looked at his anemones; quiet, sweet, and grave, she went round gathering up the books, and arranging the cups and plates. But the doctor, though asked, would not stay. He went off and the tea was brought in.
"Miss Faith," said Mr. Linden, "if you are half as ready for that exercise as I am, we shall get on superbly to-night."
She almost started.
"You, Mr. Linden! Oh you're not fit for it!"
"Not fit for it!—Miss Faith, how can you say that to me?"
"Let it be so to-night, Mr. Linden!"
"I shall do nothing of the kind, Miss Faith, by your leave. You know I can rest here most comfortably, and make you work—after the same fashion, I hope. I am a little afraid," he said looking at her, "that you are working too much."
"Why, Mr. Linden? How could I?"
"By not keeping your studies well balanced with fresh air."
"O no!" she said smiling. "The work is a great deal better than the fresh air. Besides, I have been out to-day."