Volume Ii Part 6 (2/2)

The change was like the parting of a little bright vapour, revealing the steadfast blue beneath.

”Nay doctor, you must bid me do something else! I dare not play at marbles with precious stones.”

There was probably a mixture of things in the doctor's mind;--but the outward show in answer to this was in the highest degree seemly and becoming. The expression of Dr. Harrison's face changed; with a look gentle and kind, even winning, he came up to Mr. Linden's side and took his hand.

”You are right!” said he, ”and I have got my sermon--which I deserve.

But now, Linden, _that_ is not your forfeit;--for that you must tell me--honestly--what you think of me.” There was always a general air of carelessness about Dr. Harrison, as to what he said himself or what others said in his presence. Along with this carelessness, which whether seeming or real was almost invariable, there mingled now a friend's look and tone and something of a friend's apology making.

”But do you want me to tell everybody else?” said Mr. Linden, smiling in his old way at the doctor. ”Do you like to blush before so many people?”

”That's your forfeit!” said the doctor resuming also his old-fas.h.i.+oned light tone. ”You're to tell me--and you are _not_ to tell anybody else!”

”Well--if you will have it,” said Mr. Linden looking at him,--”Honestly, I think you are very handsome!--of course that is news to n.o.body but yourself.”

”Mercy on you, man!” said the doctor; ”do you think that is news to _me?_”

”It is supposed to be--by courtesy,” said Mr. Linden laughing.

”Well--give me all the grace courtesy will let you,” said the doctor; whether altogether lightly, or with some feeling, it would have been hard for a by-stander to tell. ”Is Miss Derrick's penance out? She comes next--and Miss Essie has her.”

”No,”--said Mr. Linden consulting his watch. ”I am sorry to interfere with your arrangements, doctor, but justice must have its course.”

”Then there is a 'recess'”--said the doctor comically. ”Ladies and gentlemen--please amuse yourselves.”--

He had no intention of helping them, it seemed, for he stood fast in his place and talked to Mr. Linden in a different tone till the minutes were run out. No thing could be more motionless than the occupant of the chair.

”Miss Faith,” Mr. Linden said then, ”it is a little hard to pa.s.s from one inquisitor to another--but I must hand you over to Miss Essie.”

Faith's glance at him expressed no gratification. Meanwhile the doctor had gone for Miss Essie and brought her up to the fireplace.

”Miss Derrick,” said the black-eyed lady, ”I wish you to tell--as the penalty of your forfeit--why, when you thought the Rhododendron the most perfect flower, you did not take it for your name?”

If anybody had known the pain this question gave Faith--the leap of dismay that her heart made! n.o.body knew it; her head drooped, and the colour rose again to be sure; but one hand sheltered the exposed cheek and the other was turned to the fire. She could not refuse to answer, and with the doctor's weapons she would not; but here, as once before, Faith's straightforwardness saved her.

”Why didn't you call yourself Rhodora?” repeated Miss Essie. And Faith answered,--

”Because another name was suggested to me.”

The question could not decently be pushed any further; and both Miss Essie and the doctor looked as if they had failed. Faith's own tumult and sinking of heart prevented her knowing how thoroughly this was true.

”And you two people,” said Mr. Linden, ”come and ask Miss Derrick why she chose to appropriate a character that she thought fell short of perfection!--what is the use of telling anybody anything, after that?”

”I am only one people,” said Miss Essie.

”I am another,” said the doctor; ”and I confess myself curious.

Besides, a single point of imperfection might be supposed, without injury to mortal and human nature.”

”Julius,” said Miss Harrison, ”will you have the goodness to do so impolite a thing as to look at your watch? Aunt Ellen will expect us to set a proper example. Dear Faith, are you bound to sit in that big chair all night?”

<script>