"Wouldn't you be so good as to take care of it? You see I am busy."
"No my dear, I will not be so good. You shall have that pleasure—as a reward for running away. Would you like to hear this letter?"
"If you please—" Faith said with a little hesitation.
"You shall read it to yourself if you like better—" but he read it to her, after all. It was a pretty letter, shewing so well Mr. Linden's place in the writer's affection that Faith could not but enjoy it. Neither could she dislike the messages to herself though they did cost her a few roses. As to the contents of the package the letter gave no hint.
"What is that the key of, Endy?" she said, glancing up after the letter was finished.
"I don't know!"—Faith went on with her strawberries.
Through the open hall door came little uneven steps, tracking on through other open doors even to the dining-room,—there the steps and Charles twelfth came to a pause.
"Ma said," he began,—then fixed his eyes and mind on Mr. Linden with a concentration that was marvellous. The general attire and appearance of the little potentate were as usual, but both hands were in use to support a heavy mass of red coral, hugged up to his blue apron in the most affectionate manner. With a sigh of relief Charles twelfth withdrew his attention from Mr. Linden long enough to set the coral on the floor, then gazed anew, with his hands behind him.
"Charley!" said Faith laughing,—"what are you doing!—and what have you done?"
"Ma said—" began the child, stopping short as before.