"

Considering a moment, "I think," he said, "I'll have you order the
carriage for about the time you are likely to be done there, and we'll
have a drive together."

She shook her head gravely. "You are not fit for any such exertion."

"Uncle Ben and Solon shall help me down the stairs and into the
carriage, so there need be no exertion about it."

"I won't consent," she said. "The doctor left you in my charge; and his
orders were, that you should keep quiet for the next few days."

"You prefer to go alone, do you?"

"Yes, rather than have you injured by going with me."

"Come here," he said; and, laying down her pen, she obeyed.

He took both her hands in his, and, gazing with mock gravity up into her
face as she stood over him, "What a little tyrant you are developing
into!" he remarked, knitting his brows. "Will you order the carriage,
and take a drive in my company?"

"No."

"Then what will you do?"

"Go by myself, or stay at home with you, just as you bid me."

"What a remarkable mixture of tyranny and submission," he exclaimed,
laughing, as he pulled her down to put his arm round her, and kiss her
first on one cheek, then on the other. "I'll tell you what we'll do: you
finish that letter, read it to me, and take the benefit of my able
criticisms; then I'll try to get a nap while you take your drive or
walk, whichever you prefer."

"That will do nicely," she said, returning his caresses; "if you will be
pleased to let me go, I'll order the carriage, finish the letter in five
minutes, hear the able criticisms, put my patient to bed, and be off for
my drive."

"Do so," he said, releasing her.

From this time forward, till the children were considered out of danger,
and Edward was able to go about and attend to his affairs as usual,
there were daily letters and telegrams passing between Viamede and Ion.
Then Dr. Conly came home, and almost immediately on his arrival drove
over to Ion to see for himself if his patient there had entirely
recovered, and to carry some messages and tokens of affection from the
absent members of the family.

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