the party would
probably reach the neighboring village of Union, where carriages must be
in readiness to receive and convey them to Ion.

And now Edward and Zoe began counting the days: the little matron put on
more housewifely airs than was her wont, and was in great glee over her
preparations for a grand reception and welcoming feast to the loved
travellers.

She insisted on much cleaning and renovating, and on the day of the
arrival robbed the green-houses and conservatories for the adornment of
the house, the table, and her own person.

Edward laughingly asserted that he was almost, if not quite, as much
under her orders at that time as when left in her charge by the doctor,
and could have no peace but in showing himself entirely submissive, and
ready to carry out all her schemes and wishes.

Fairview also was getting ready to receive its master and mistress; but
the indoor preparations there were overseen by Mrs. Lacey of the
Laurels,--Edward's aunt Rose.

It was the last of April: lovely spring weather had come, and the head
gardeners and their subordinates of both places found much to do in
making all trim and neat against the expected arrival of the respective
owners; and of these matters Edward took a general oversight.

He and Zoe were up earlier than their wont on the morning of the
long-looked-for day, wandering about the gardens before breakfast.

"How lovely every thing looks!" exclaimed Zoe, in delight. "I am sure
mamma will be greatly pleased, and praise you to your heart's content,
Cuff," she added, turning to the gardener at work near by.

"Ya'as, Miss Zoe," he answered, with a broad grin of satisfaction;
"dat's what I'se been a workin' for, an' spects to hab sho', kase Miss
Elsie, she doan' nebber grudge nuffin' in de way ob praise nor ob wages,
when yo's done yo' bes', ob co'se; an' dis chile done do dat, sho's yo'
bawn."

"Yes, I'm sure you have, Cuff," said Edward kindly: "the flowers look
very flourishing; there's not a dead leaf or a weed to be seen anywhere;
the walks are clean and smooth as a floor; nothing amiss anywhere, so
far as I can perceive."

They moved on, walking slowly, and inspecting carefully as they went,
yet finding nothing to mar their satisfaction.

They had reached the front of the house, and were about to go in, when a
boy on horseback came cantering up the avenue, and handed a telegram to
Edward.

Tearing it hastily open, "From grandpa," he said. "Ah! they wil