"You don't mean to enlighten me more than you can help," she said. "But why do you call it Flora? you used that word before. And oh Mr. Linden—You can't tell me now, for supper's all ready."
His eyes looked amused too, and laying a clover head on the window, he said,
"That is part of your land Flora,"—then pushed the shutter to rather quick, but softly; and Faith heard the reason thereof as follows.
"Wal sir—ef this be you, I've looked all over for you."
"How was it that you overlooked me then, sir?" was Mr. Linden's reply.
"Don't jes know," laughed Jem Williams,—"but Miss Cilly Deacon wants you the worst kind."
"And where shall I go to receive her commands?" said Mr. Linden.
Faith heard their retreating steps, and turning to take off her apron saw the dish of hot clams still on the stove, and that Reuben had removed himself outside the door, quite beyond the conversation but not beyond call. He stood looking thoughtfully out towards the muscle rocks.
"Oh Reuben! there you are. Come!" said Faith; "you're going in with me. You're going to have some supper to-night, whoever else does. You open the door, and I'll take in this dish. You keep by me, Reuben."
"Please let me take the dish, then, Miss Faith,—I can open the door first."