“Since frankness is in fashion at this moment,” was the contemptuous retort, “I will own that there is no love lost between us.  Stay,” as Zoe was about to leave the room, “let me give you a piece of disinterested advice.  Learn to control your quick temper, and show yourself more amiable, or you may find one of these days, when it is too late, that you have lost your husband’s heart.”

At that, Zoe turned away, and went swiftly from the room.  She was beyond speaking, her whole frame quivering from head to foot with the agitation of her feelings.

Lose the love of her idolized husband?  That would be worse than death.  But it should never be:  he loved her dearly now (it could not be possible that these last few wretched days had robbed her quite of the devoted affection she had known beyond a doubt to be hers before); and she would tell him, as soon as he came in, how sorry she was for the conduct that had vexed him, and never, no, never again, would she do or say any thing to displease him, or lower herself in his estimation.

As she thought thus, hurrying down the hall, she caught the sound of wheels on the drive, and ran out, expecting to see him, as it was about time for his return from Roselands.

It was the Ion carriage she had heard, but only Ella Conly alighted from it.

They exchanged greetings, then Zoe asked half breathlessly, “Where’s Edward?”

“Gone,” Ella responded, moving on into the hall.  “Come, let’s go into the parlor, and sit down, and I’ll tell you all I know about it.  Why, Zoe,” as she turned and caught sight of her companion’s face, “you are as pale as death, and look ready to faint!  There’s nothing to be scared about, and you mustn’t mind my nonsense.”

“Oh, tell me! tell me quickly!” gasped Zoe, sinking into a chair, her hands clasped beseechingly, her eyes wild with terror:  “what, what has happened?”

“Nothing, child, nothing, except that we met cousin Horace on our way here, and he carried Ned off to Union.  They had to hurry to catch a train, in order to be in time for some business matter in the city, I didn’t understand what:  so Ned couldn’t wait to write the least bit of a note to tell you about it; and he told me to explain every thing to you, and say you were not to fret or worry, not even if he shouldn’t get home to-night; for he might not be able to finish up the business in time for even the last train that would bring him.”

The color had come back to Zoe’s cheek, but her countenance was still distressed; and as Ella concluded, two scalding tears rolled quickly down her face, and plashed upon the small white hands lying clasped in her lap.

“Dear me!” said Ella, “how fond you are of him!”

“Yes,” said Zoe, with a not very successful effort to smile through her tears:  “who wouldn’t be, in my place?  I owe every thing to Ned, and he pets and indulges me to the greatest extent.  Besides, he is so good, noble, and true, that any woman might be proud to be his wife.”