“Yes.  I’ll go, of course, if you wish it, and enjoy it greatly, I know.”

They were very gay over their breakfast and during their ride; for they were young, healthy, happy in each other; the morning air was delicious, and not a cloud was to be perceived in either the natural sky above their heads, or in that of their future; all was bright and joyous, and they seemed to have naught to do with sorrow or care, or any of the evils that oppressed the hearts and darkened the lives of many of their fellow-creatures.

Their tidings were received with joy by the retainers at Fairview, nearly every thing being in readiness for the reception of its master and mistress.

Edward and Zoe had agreed that it was not at all necessary to inform the expected guests of the evening of the change in the hour for the arrival of the home-coming party they intended to welcome.

“The meeting will be quite as early as anticipated,” remarked Edward; “and it will do no harm for mamma and the others to have a chance to rest a little before seeing so many.”

“They will enjoy themselves all the better, I’m sure,” said Zoe.

They were cantering homeward as they talked.  Arrived there, Zoe set to work at the pleasant task of adorning the house—­“mamma’s” boudoir in particular—­with beautiful and sweet-scented flowers, and contrived to be delightfully busy in their arrangement till some little time after Edward had gone with the carriages to meet and bring home the travellers.

All came directly to Ion, except the Fairview family, who sought their own home first, but promised to be present at the evening festivities.

The journey had been taken leisurely; and no one seemed fatigued but the little convalescents, who were glad to be put immediately to bed.

“Mamma, dear, dearest mamma!” cried Zoe, as the two clasped each other in a close embrace.  “I am so, so glad to see you!”

“Tired of housekeeping, little woman?” Elsie asked, with an arch look and smile.

“No, mamma, not that, though willing enough to resign my position to you,” was the gay rejoinder.  “But my delight is altogether because you are so dear and sweet, that everybody must be the happier for your presence.”

“Dear child, I prize and fully return your affection,” Elsie said in reply.

For each one, Zoe had a joyous and affectionate greeting, till it came to Lulu’s turn.

At her she glanced doubtfully for an instant, then gave her a hearty kiss, saying to herself, “Though she did behave so badly, I’m sure she had a good deal of provocation.”

Lulu had noted the momentary hesitation, and flushed hotly under it; but the kiss set all right, and she returned it as warmly as it was given.

“It seems nice to see you and uncle Edward again, aunt Zoe!” she said, “and nice to get back to Ion, though Viamede is so lovely.”

“Yes,” chimed in Rosie.  “Viamede is almost an earthly paradise, but Ion is the homiest home of the two.”