hem
no good for us to make ourselves unhappy. We will sympathize with, and
pray for, them, but at the same time be thankful and joyful because of
all God's goodness to us and them. 'Rejoice in the Lord always: and
again I say, Rejoice.' 'Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation.'"

"You have certainly obeyed that last injunction," remarked Zoe, looking
at him with affectionate admiration; "so patient and cheerful as you
have been ever since your injury! Many a man would have grumbled and
growled from morning to night; while you have been so pleasant, it was a
privilege to wait on you."

"Thank you," he said, laughing: "it is uncommonly good in you to say
that, but I'm afraid you are rather uncharitable in your judgment of
'many men.'

"Mamma has not yet heard of my accident," he remarked presently, "and
wonders over my long silence. I'll write to her now, if you will be so
kind as to bring me my writing-desk."

"I'm doubtful about allowing such exertion," she said: "you are left
under my orders, you remember, and I'm to be held responsible for your
continued improvement."

"Nonsense! that wouldn't hurt me," he returned, with an amused smile;
"and if you won't get the desk, I'll go after it myself."

"No, you mustn't: I sha'n't allow it," she said, knitting her brows,
and trying to look stern.

"Then get it for me."

"Well," she said reflectively, "I suppose there'll have to be a
compromise. I'll get the desk, if you'll let me act as your amanuensis."

"We'll consider that arrangement after you have brought it."

"No: you must agree to my proposition first."

"Why, what a little tyrant you are!" he laughed. "Well, I consent. Now
will you please to bring the desk?"

"Yes," she said, jumping up, and crossing the room to where it stood;
"and if you are very good, you may write a postscript with your own
hand."

"I'll do it all with my own hand," he said as she returned to his side.

"Why, Ned!" she exclaimed in surprise, "I thought you were a man of your
word!"

"And so I am, I trust," he said, smiling at her astonished look, then
catching her right hand in his. "Is not this mine?" he asked: "did you
not give it to me?--Let me see--nearly two years ago?"

"Yes, I did," she answered, laughing and blushing with pleasure and
happiness: "you are right; it is yours. So you have every right to use
it, and must do so."

"Ah!" he said, "'a wilful woman will have her way,' I see: there never
was a truer sayin