the very (innocuous) pride that lay hid in the
prescription. Do you feel disposed to punish me for that, Mignonette?"

One of Faith's grave childish looks answered him; but then, dismissing
Mr. Linden as impracticable, she gave herself to the enjoyment of the
time. It was a fit afternoon! The sunbeams were bright on leaves and
flowers, with that fairy brightness which belongs peculiarly to spring.
The air was a real spring air, sweet and bracing, full of delicate
spices of May. The apple blossoms, out and bursting out, dressed the
land with the very bloom of joy. And through it all Mr. Linden drove
her, himself in a "holiday humour." Bread and milk may be stimulating,
but health and happiness are more stimulating yet; and Faith came home
after a ride of some length looking not a bit the worse, and ready for
supper.

CHAPTER XXXI.

A month passed away,--with apple blossoms, strawberry flowers, now with
strawberries themselves. Roses coming into splendour, carnations in
full force, and both re-established in the cheeks of Faith Derrick.
What a month it had been!--of weather, of work, of society. Lessons
after the old fashion, reading aloud, talking; going round the country
at Jerry's heels, or on the back of Mrs. Stoutenburgh's pony--for there
she was put, just so soon as she could bear it, passing by degrees from
a gentle trot on level ground to a ladylike scamper over the hills.
Faith had not been so strong for many a day as the longest day of that
summer found her.

Coming home from their afternoon ride by the way of the postoffice, Mr.
Linden found there a letter from Europe; the seal of which he broke as
they entered, the house, just in time to give Faith a little enclosed
note to herself as she went up stairs to change her dress. Its words
were few. Referring Faith to Mr. Linden for particulars, it asked her
to let him come to Germany without delay. The aunt with whom Miss
Linden lived was at the point of death, apparently--she herself in
danger of being left quite alone in a strange land. Yet with all the
urgency of the case, the whole breathing of Miss Linden's note was,
"Faith--can you spare him?--will you let him come?"

The question was settled before it was asked, in Faith's mind; but what
a laying down of pleasure and what a taking up of pain was there! The
rest of the vacation was gone at once; for Mr. Linden could not go to
Europe and come back, even on the wings of steam, and have a day left