"Nothing that I would want to hear? why, I am fond of the very sound of your voice. But what's the matter?" for he had come to her side, and perceived with surprise and concern that her eyes were full of tears.
"Oh, nothing! except that I'd looked forward to a delightful evening with my husband, after being parted from him all day, and didn't get it."
"My dear Zoe," he said, "I owe you an apology! I actually forgot all about those lessons."
"And me, too," she said bitterly. "My musical and conversational gifts sink into utter insignificance beside those of these newcomers."
"Jealousy is a very mean and wicked passion, Zoe; I don't like to see you indulging it," he said, turning away from her. "I am, of course, expected to pay some attention to my mother's guests, and you will have to put up with it."
"You are always right and I am always wrong," she said, half choking with indignation; "but if you are always to do as you please, I shall do as I please."
"In regard to what?" he asked coldly.
"Everything!" she answered in a defiant tone.
Edward strode angrily into the next room; but five minutes sufficed to subdue his passion, and in tender tones he called softly to his wife, "Zoe, love, will you please come here for a moment?"
She started with surprise at the kindness of his tones, her heart leaped for joy, and she ran to him, smiling through her tears.