“Oh, I’ll be happy to!” she cried joyously, pushing the books aside and starting to her feet, “and it won’t take me a minute to don hat and cloak.”

He caught her in his arms as she was rushing past him, and kissing her on cheek and lips, asked in tender tones, “Have I made you unhappy this afternoon, my love, my darling?”

“Yes, for a little while; but I deserved it, Ned, and I don’t mind it now if—­if only you love your foolish, careless little wife as well as ever in spite of all her faults.”

“I love you dearly, dearly, my one own peculiar treasure,” he responded, with another caress of ardent affection, as he let her go.

She was gay and happy as a bird during their drive, and full of enthusiasm in regard to her new plan, explaining it to Edward, and asking his advice about the best division of her time, how much should be allotted to this duty and how much to that.

“I mean to rise earlier,” she said, “and if I can’t get time in that way for all I want to do, I’ll shorten my rides and walks.”

“No,” he said, “I’m not going to have your health sacrificed even to mental improvement; and certainly not to fancy work; I shall insist on plenty of rest and sleep and abundance of exercise in the open air for the dear little woman I have taken charge of.”

“Then, sir, you’re not to be cross if the studies are not attended to.”

“They will be if put before novels, fancy work, and other equally unnecessary employments.”

“Well, I’ve said they shall be in future.  O Ned,” and she nestled closer to his side, looking up lovingly into his face, “it’s ever so nice to have somebody to take care of me and love me as you do!  How could I ever do without papa, who always petted me so, if I hadn’t you?”

“I hope you may never find out.  I hope I may be spared to take care of you, as long as you need me, little wife,” he said, pressing her closer to his side.

Rosie met them in the hall on their return to Ion.

“It’s most tea time, Zoe,” she said; “I think you’ll not have any too much time for changing your dress.”

“Then I must needs make haste,” returned Zoe, tripping up the stairs.

Edward, who was taking off his overcoat, turned a rather surprised, inquiring glance upon his little sister.

“Oh, yes,” she said laughingly, “I had a reason for hurrying her away, because I want to tell you something.  Cousin Ronald Lilburn is coming.  Maybe he will be here by to-morrow.  Mamma heard he wasn’t well, and she wrote and invited him to come and spend the winter with us, and she’s just had a letter saying he will come.  Aren’t you glad, Ned?”

“I’m very well pleased, Rosie, but why shouldn’t Zoe have heard your announcement?”

“Because I wanted to warn you first not to tell her or the Raymonds something (you know what) that must be kept secret at first, if we want to have some fun.”