"I don't think of any generous imposition just now," said Mr. Linden smiling. "How are your father and sister?—I was afraid they would suffer from the fright, if nothing else."
"Strong nerves!" said the doctor shrugging his shoulders. "We all eat our breakfast this morning, and wanted the chops done as much as usual. Sophy did suffer, though; but it was because Miss Faith would do nothing but get hurt in the house and wouldn't stay to be made well."
"I am sure I did something more than that," said Faith, to whom the doctor had looked.
"You don't deserve any thanks!" he said sitting down again beside her;—"but there is somebody else that does, and I wish you would give me a hint how to pay them. That young fellow who says he is no friend of yours—he helped us bravely last night. What can I do to please him?"
"Mr. Linden can tell best," said Faith looking to him. The doctor turned in the same direction.
"Thank you!" Mr. Linden said, and the words were warmly spoken, yet not immediately followed up. "Thank you very much, doctor!" he repeated thoughtfully—"I am not sure that Reuben wants anything just now,—next summer, perhaps, he may want books."
"I see you are his friend?"
"Yes—if you give the word its full length and breadth."
"What is that?" said Dr. Harrison. "Don't go off to 'Nought and All.'"
"I suppose in this case I may say, a mutual bond of trust, affection, and active good wishes."