“But it makes us blush for the honor of the land we love!” cried Zoe, with heightened color and flashing eyes.

CHAPTER IX.

“Heaven gives us friends.”

The train moved on, and Zoe settled herself back in her seat with a contented sigh; it was so nice to think of soon being at home again after months of absence.  She had grown to love Ion very much, and she was charmed with the idea of being mistress of the household for the week or two that was to elapse before the return of the rest of the family.

But she was greatly interested in the Norwegian girls, and presently began to occupy herself with plans for their benefit.

Edward watched her furtively, quite amused at the unwonted gravity of her countenance.

“What, may I ask, is the subject of your meditations, little woman?” he inquired, with a laughing look into her face, as the train came to a momentary standstill at a country station.  One might suppose, from your exceeding grave and preoccupied air, that you were engaged in settling the affairs of the nation.”

“No, no, my load of care is somewhat lighter than that, Mr. Travilla,” she returned with mock seriousness.  “It is those poor girls I am thinking of, and what employment can be found for them.”

“Well, what is the conclusion arrived at? or is there none as yet?”

“I think—­I am nearly sure, indeed—­that if they are really expert needlewomen, we can find plenty for them to do in our own family connection; five families of us, you know.”

“Five?”

“Yes:  Ion, Fairview, The Laurels, The Oaks, and Roselands.”

“Ah, yes; and it must take an immense amount of sewing to provide all the changes of raiment desired by the ladies and children,” he remarked laughingly.  “So that matter may be considered arranged, and my little wife freed from care.”

“No, I have yet to consider how they are to be conveyed from the city to Ion, and what I am to do with them when I get them there.  Mamma will not be there to direct, you know.”

“The first question is easily settled; I shall hire a hack for their use.  As to the other, why not let them have their meals served in the sewing-room and occupy the bedroom opening into it?”

“Why, to be sure! that will do nicely,” she said, “if you think mamma would not object.”

“I am quite certain she will find no fault, even if she should make a different arrangement on returning home.  And you wouldn’t mind that, would you?”

“Oh no, indeed!  Are we not going very fast?”

“Yes; trying to make up lost time.”

“I hope they will succeed, that our supper may not be spoiled with waiting.  Do you think there will be any one but the servants at Ion to watch for our coming, Ned?”

“Yes; I expect to find the Fairview family there, and have some hope of seeing delegations from the other three.  Mamma wrote Elsie when to look for us, and probably she has let the others know; all of them who have been absent from home this summer returned some days or weeks ago.”