"Yes, Miss Faith—I know I ought,—at least I oughtn't to feel just as
I do," Reuben answered. "Mr. Linden told me so to-day."
"Then why do you feel so?" Faith asked with increased earnestness.
Reuben coloured and hesitated.
"Folks vex me—" he said in a low voice. "And—and Mr. Linden says I love him too well if I'm not willing to let him go when God pleases. And I know it's true—but—" and Reuben followed Faith into the house without another word.
"What do you mean about Mr. Linden's going?"
"Just that, ma'am," said Reuben simply. "Because we can't make ourselves feel well by thinking things are going just as we want 'em to—he says that's not strong enough ground to rest on."
"But does he talk of going away, Reuben?"
"O no! Miss Faith I never heard him,—he only talked so to me because of what other folks said."
"Well," said Faith with a change of tone, "you're a foolish boy. You come and see me whenever you get feeling bad again. Folks can't hurt Mr. Linden. Now look here—Wait a minute, will you!"—
Faith ran upstairs; speedily came down again with a little blue-covered book in her hand.