"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?"