nden,--"as in
other places. One can (_if_ one can) subside to the general level, or
one can (with the like qualification) rise above it. The paths through
Pattaquasset are in no wise peculiar, yet by no means alike."

"No," said the doctor, with another side look at him--"I suppose as
much. I see you're a philosopher. Do you carry a spirit-level about
with you?"

"Define--" said Mr. Linden, with a smile which certainly belonged to
the last philosopher he had been in company with.

"I see you do," said the doctor. "What's your opinion of philosophy?
that it adds to the happiness of the world in general?"

"You ask broad questions, Dr. Harrison--considering the many kinds of
philosophy, and the unphilosophical state of the world in general."

The doctor laughed a little. "I don't know," said he,--"I sometimes
think the terms have changed sides, and that 'the world in general' has
really the best of it. But do you know what particular path in
Pattaquasset we are treading at this minute?"

"A path where philosophy and happiness are supposed to part company, I
imagine," said Mr. Linden.

"Pre-cisely--" said the doctor. "By the way, if anything in my father's
house or library can be of the least convenience to you while you are
travelling the somewhat unfurnished ways of Pattaquasset, I hope you
will use both as your own.--Yes, I am taking you to the supper
table--or indeed they are plural to-night--Sophy, I have brought Mr.
Linden to you, and I leave you to do what you will with him!"

CHAPTER XIV.

With a slight congee the doctor left thorn and went back again; and
then came the full rush of all the guests, small and great. Miss
Harrison claimed Mr. Linden's assistance to marshal and arrange the
boys at their table--one being given specially to them; and then
established him as well as circumstances permitted at another--between
Miss Cecilia Deacon and Miss Essie de Staff. Miss Harrison herself did
not sit down. The guests were many, the servants far too few; and Miss
Harrison and her brother with one or two helpers, of whom Faith was
one, went round from table to table; attending to everybody's wants.
The supply of all eatables and drinkables was ample and perfect enough;
but without the quick and skilful eyes and hands of these educated
waiters, the company could not have been entirely put in possession of
them. So Faith's red oak leaves did after all adorn the entertainment,
and publicly, though most u