do with ourselves to-day, Zoe?
I've no notion of devoting myself exclusively to Miss Deane's
entertainment, especially if she is really as cross as reported."

"No, indeed! I couldn't bear to let you, even if you were willing,"
replied Zoe with decision. "I consented to your taking my place in
that, only because I supposed you found her agreeable; while to me she
is any thing else."

"Suppose we call on her together, after a little, and let the length of
our stay depend upon the enjoyment our presence seems to afford her,"
suggested Ella.

"Agreed," said Zoe. "Then I will supply her with plenty of
reading-matter, which, as she professes to be so very intellectual,
ought to entertain her far better than we can. Shall we ride after
that?"

"Yes, and take a promenade on the verandas. We'll have to take our
exercise in those ways, as the roads are not yet fit for walking."

"Yes," said Zoe; "but I hope that by afternoon they will be good enough
for driving; as I mean to drive over to the depot to meet the late
train, hoping to find Ned on it."

"Don't expect him till to-morrow," said Ella.

"Why not?" queried Zoe, looking as if she could hardly endure the
thought.

"Because, in that case, your disappointment, if you have one, will be
agreeable."

"Yes; but, on the other hand, I should lose all the enjoyment of looking
forward through the whole day, to seeing him this evening. Following
your plan, I shouldn't have half so happy a day as if I keep to my own."

"Ah! that's an entirely new view of the case," Ella said in her merry,
laughing tones.

Miss Deane did not seem to enjoy their society, and they soon withdrew
from her room; Zoe having done all in her power to provide her with
every comfort and amusement available in her case.

"I'm glad that's over," sighed Zoe, when they were alone again. "And now
for our ride, if you are ready, Ella. I ordered my pony for myself, and
mamma's for you; and I see they are at the door."

"Then let us don our riding-habits, and be off at once," said Ella.

"Where are we going?" she asked, as they cantered down the avenue.

"To the village, if you like. I want to call at the post-office."

"In hopes of finding a note from Ned, I suppose. I don't believe there
can be one there that would bring you later news than yesterday's
telegram. But I have no objection to making sure, and would as soon ride
in that direction as any other."

Nothing from Edward was found at the