She waited till he had come up to the fire, and then softly inquired,
"What for?"—"'What for no?'" he said, smiling, but giving her face a
somewhat earnest consideration. "Have you been asleep?"—"Yes. And then
I thought I might go after my chocolate pot, in the closet."
"Sensible child! What did you think upon the great question of setting forth to see me safe over the bridge?"—Her face changed, though smiling. She whispered—"I did see you safe over it." But his lips were grave instantly, and the eyes even flushed. And Faith could see then that he was exceedingly tired. Gently her hands rather insinuated than pushed him into the chair, and she ran away to give an order; coming back to do two or three other things for his comfort. Still silent, standing there beside his chair, she presently stooped and put her fresh sweet lips to his. Roses full of dew are not sweeter; and if roses were sentient things their kisses could not give sympathy more fragrantly, nor with more pure quiet. Holding her fast, Mr. Linden asked what she thought of her share of clerical duties, on the whole?
Faith answered somewhat quaintly, "Not much."
"You don't!—What a triumph for Miss Essie! Were you lonely, Faith?"
She was going to answer, then sprang away from him, for Malthus came to the door. And the table was spread, with as dainty exactness as if there were no disorder anywhere in Mr. Linden's household. The little chocolatière steamed out its welcome, Malthus was gone, and Faith stood by Mr. Linden's chair again.
"It is ready, Endecott."
He had watched her from under the shadow of his hand, her soft arranging steps and touches. "Faith," he said, looking up, "is this the night when I am to have sugarless tea, to remind me of the over-sweetened cup of long ago?"
Her smile and flash of the eye were conscious as well as bright. "I guess, sugar is 'potent' yet, Endy."
"You are!" he said. "Have you been lonely, my dear child? You don't answer me."
She hesitated a very little. "I felt you were away, Endy—but I didn't wish you here. No, I wasn't lonely." His eyes spoke a full understanding of both parts of her sentence. But his words touched somewhat else.