Edward read aloud his mother's announcement of the fact. "Yes," said Zoe. "Betty tells me the same thing. O Ned! how sorry I am for poor Vi! It would be hard enough for her if she had the captain with her, to help bear the burden and responsibility, and to share in her grief if they should die."
"Yes, it is hard for her; and I am glad she has mamma and grandpa and grandma with her. Mamma says Dick Percival is attending the children, and there is talk of telegraphing for Arthur.
"Ah," glancing from the window, "here he comes! He will perhaps bring us later news."
Arthur did so: the children were worse than at the date of the letters. He had just received his summons, and would obey it immediately, taking the next train; had called to tell them, and see how Edward was.
"Almost entirely recovered, tell my mother," Edward said, in reply to the query; "and you needn't go feeling any anxiety in regard to this one of your patients," he added playfully.
"I leave him in your care, Zoe," said Arthur; "and, if he does not do well, I shall hold you responsible."
"Then you must lay your commands upon him to obey my orders," she said, with a merry glance from one to the other.
"Would that be any thing new in his experience?" asked the doctor with mock gravity.
"It won't do to question us too closely," returned Zoe, coloring and laughing.
"She is a very good little wife, and tolerably obedient," laughed
Edward. "Really, would you believe it? she told me once she actually
enjoyed obeying—under certain circumstances; and so, I suppose, should
I. Zoe, you mustn't be too hard on me."