"I thought so!" said Mr. Linden. "I shouldn't wonder a bit if she had dressed you up in something she used to wear herself."
"She wasn't ever so little," the child said softly.
Faith had been preparing for him a cup of some light nourishment which he was to take from time to time, and now coming to Mr. Linden's side kneeled down there before Johnny to give it to him. The child took the delicate spoonfuls as she gave them, turning his fair eyes from her to Mr. Linden as if he felt in a very sweet atmosphere of love and care; and when she went away with the cup he said in his slow fashion,
"I love her very much."
And Faith heard the answer—
"And so do I."
Coming up behind Mr. Linden she laid her hand on his shoulder.
"Endecott—where are you going to take dinner and rest to-day?"
"O I will take rest by the way," he answered lightly, and with a smile at her. "There is dinner enough in my supper basket—I have not much time for it, neither."
"School again this afternoon?"