“Then come and get it,” she said, offering her lips.  “Max, you may feel as free always to ask for it as if I were your own mother or sister.”

Edward had, perhaps, the most trying pupil of all; she had done well at first, but as the novelty of the undertaking wore off, lost her interest, and now found so many excuses for not being prepared at the proper time for recitation; and if he so much as looked grave over the failure, was so hurt, and felt herself so ill-used, that an extra amount of coaxing and petting became necessary to restore her to cheerfulness and good humor.

He was growing very weary of it all, and at times felt tempted to cease trying to improve the mind of his little wife; but no, he could not do that if he would have her a fit companion for him intellectually as well as in other respects, for though she had naturally a fine mind, its cultivation had been sadly neglected.

He opened his heart to his mother on the subject, entreating her advice and assistance, but without finding fault with Zoe (Elsie would hardly have listened for a moment to that), and she comforted him with words of encouragement to persevere in his own efforts, and promises to aid him in every way in her power.

In pursuance of that object she put in Zoe’s way, and recommended to her notice, books that would be likely to interest and at the same time instruct her.  Also considered her needs, as well as those of her own pupils, in making her selections for the afternoon readings in the school-room.

There was much gained by the child wife in these ways, and also from the conversation of the highly educated and intelligent older members of the family, of which she had now become a part.

She was very desirous to become their equal in these respects, especially for Edward’s sake, but she was so much used to self-indulgence, so unaccustomed to self-control, that her good resolutions were made only to be broken till she herself was nearly ready to give up in despair.

Elsie was alone in her own apartments one afternoon, an hour or more after dismissing her pupils to their play, when Zoe came to her with flushed cheeks, quivering lips, and eyes full of tears.

“What is wrong with you, my dear little daughter?” Elsie asked in tender, motherly tones, as she looked up into the troubled face.

“O mamma, I don’t know what to do!  I wish you could help me!” cried Zoe, dropping upon her knees at Elsie’s feet, and hiding her face on her lap, the tears falling fast now, mingled with sobs.

“Only tell me what is wrong, dear, and you shall have all the help I can give,” Elsie said, smoothing the weeper’s fair hair with soft, caressing hand.

“Edward is vexed with me,” sobbed Zoe.  “I know he is, though he didn’t say a word; but he looked so grave, and walked away without speaking.”

“Perhaps he was not vexed with you, dear; it may have been merely that he was deep in thought about something that had no connection with the little wife, whom, as I very well know, he loves very dearly.”