“I shall not go unless you do,” she said with decision.  “Parted from my husband for weeks?  No, indeed!  I can hardly stand it for a single day,” she added, laying her cheek to his.

“Nor I, little wife,” he said, passing his hand softly over her hair.  “Do you feel equal to a ride this afternoon?”

“Why, yes; of course! shall I get ready at once?”

“Yes, do, dearie.  There is to be a party of us—­grandpa, mamma, and Miss Fleming, Miss Deane, you and I.”

Zoe’s brow clouded.  “Riding three abreast, I suppose.  But why did you ask Miss Deane?  She’ll spoil all my enjoyment.”

“Don’t let her; I must show some attention to her as a guest in the house, and really felt obliged to invite her.  We are to call at Fairview, and see how Lester and Elsie get on with their housekeeping.  Now, do promise me that you will be a good, sensible little woman, and not indulge in jealousy.”

“To please you I’ll do the very best I can.  I told you I would do anything for love and coaxing,” she answered in a sprightly tone, with her arm still about his neck, her eyes gazing fondly into his.

He drew her closer.  “I’ll try always to remember and practice upon that,” he said, “Now, darling, don that very becoming hat and habit you wore this morning.”

Miss Deane was an accomplished coquette, whose greatest delight was to prove her power over every man who came in her way, whether married or single, and perceiving Zoe’s dislike to her, and jealousy of any attention paid her by Edward, she took a malicious pleasure in drawing him to her side whenever opportunity offered, and keeping him there as long as possible.

Edward, with a heart entirely true to his young wife, endeavored to resist the fascinations of the siren and avoid her when politeness would permit; and Zoe struggled against her inclination to jealousy, yet Miss Deane succeeded in the course of a few days in bringing about a slight coldness between them.

They did not actually quarrel, but there was a cessation of loving looks and endearing words and names.  It was simply Zoe and Edward now instead of dearest and love and darling, while they rather avoided than sought each other’s society.

Edward was too busy to walk or ride with his wife, and Max and Ralph Conly, at home now for the Easter holidays and self-invited to Ion, became the almost constant sharers of her outdoor exercise.

Edward saw it with displeasure, for Ralph was no favorite with him.  When things had gone on in that way for several days, he ventured upon a mild remonstrance, telling Zoe he would rather she would not make a familiar associate of Ralph.

“If I am debarred from my husband’s society, I’m not to be blamed for taking what I can get,” she answered coldly.

“I don’t blame you for what is past, Zoe,” he said, “but request that in future you will not have more to do with Ralph than is quite necessary.”