It was late in the afternoon that he reached Ion, and he found Edward and Zoe sitting together in the parlor; she with a bit of embroidery in her hands, he reading aloud to her.
Arthur was very warmly welcomed by both.
"Cousin Arthur, I'm delighted to see you!" cried Zoe, giving him her hand.
"And I no less so," added Edward, offering his. "How did you leave them all at Viamede?"
"All in health, except, of course, the two little ones who have been so ill," he said, taking the chair Edward drew forward for him; "and them we consider out of danger, with the careful attention they are sure to have."
"How have mamma and Vi stood the anxiety and nursing?" asked Edward.
"Quite as well as could have been expected. They have lost a little in flesh and color, but will, I think, soon regain both, now that their anxiety is relieved.
"And you, Ned, are quite yourself again, I should say, from appearances?"
"Yes; and I desire to give all credit to the nurse in whose charge you left me," returned Edward, with a smiling glance at Zoe.
"As is but fair," said Arthur. "I discovered her capabilities before I left."