conduct I have objected to, we may learn to like each other. I very
well know that you do not love me now."

"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 i