“But still happy; are you not, mamma? you always seem so to me.”

“Yes, my child; I have a very peaceful, happy life.  I miss my husband, but I know the separation is only for a short time, and that he is supremely blessed.  And with my beloved father and dear children about me, heart and hands are full—­delightfully full—­leaving no room for sadness and repining.”  This little talk was on the veranda, as the two stood there for a moment apart from the others.  Zoe was looking quite bride-like in a white India mull, much trimmed with rich lace, her fair neck and arms adorned with a set of beautiful pearls, just presented her by Edward in commemoration of the day.

She called Elsie’s attention to them.  “See, mamma, what my husband has given me in memory of the day.  Are they not magnificent?”

“It is a very fine set,” Elsie answered, with a smile, glancing admiringly at the jewels and from them to the blooming face of the wearer.  “A most suitable gift for his little wife.”

“He’s so good to me, mamma,” Zoe said, with warmth.  “I love him better every day we live together, and couldn’t think of leaving him behind alone, when you all go off to Nantucket.  I do hope he’ll be able to find somebody to take his place; but if he isn’t I shall stay here with him.”

“That is quite right, dear child; I am very glad you love him so dearly,” Elsie said, with a very pleased look; “but I hope your affection will not be put to so severe a test; we have heard of a very suitable person, though it is still uncertain whether his services can be secured.  We shall probably know to-morrow.”

“Perhaps sooner than that,” Mr. Dinsmore said, approaching them just in time to hear his daughter’s last sentence; “Edward has gone to have an interview with him, and hopes for a definite reply to his proposition.  Ah, here he comes now!” as Edward was seen to turn in at the great gates and come up the avenue at a gentle trot.  It was too warm for a gallop.

As he drew near he took off his hat and waved it in triumph round his head.  “Success, good friends!” he cried, reining in his steed at the veranda steps.  Then, as he threw the reins to a servant and sprang to the ground, “Zoe, my darling, you can go on with your packing; we may confidently expect to be able to sail with the rest.”

“Oh delightful!” she exclaimed, dancing about as gleefully as if she had been a maiden of eight or ten instead of a woman just closing the first year of her married life.

Everybody sympathized in her joy; everybody was glad that she and Edward were to be of their party.

All the older ones were very busy for the next few days, no one finding time for rest and quiet chat except the captain and Violet, who keenly enjoyed a monopoly of each other’s society during not a few hours of every day; Mrs. Dinsmore and Elsie having undertaken to attend to all that would naturally have fallen to Violet’s share in making ready for the summer’s jaunt had she been in robust health.  Bob and Betty Johnson, to whom the Oaks had been home for many years, and who had just graduated from school, came home in the midst of the bustle of preparation, and were highly delighted by an invitation to join the Nantucket party.