aring and affectionate in my treatment of my darling little wife,
for the past few days, as I ought to have been; and I resolved to tell
her so, on the first opportunity."

"O Ned! I don't deserve such a kind, loving husband!" she sighed; "and
you ought to have a great deal better wife."

"I am entirely satisfied with the one I have," lifting her hand to his
lips. "There isn't a woman in the world I would exchange her for."

"But I often do and say things you don't approve," she murmured, with a
regretful sigh.

"Yes; but have I not told you more than once, that I do not want a piece
of perfection for my wife, lest there should be far too strong a
contrast between her and myself?"

"But there wouldn't be," she asserted. "I don't believe there's another
man in all the world quite so dear and good as my husband."

"Sweet flattery from your lips," he returned laughingly. "Now, dearest,
go and eat your breakfast. I have had mine."

"Ned, do you know our tormentor is gone?" she asked, lifting her head,
and looking into his eyes, with a glad light in her own.

"Yes, and am much relieved to know it," he replied. "And, dearest, she
shall never come again, if I can prevent it."

CHAPTER VII.

"Tell me the old, old story."

"My dear Zoe! what a happy face!" was Ella's pleased exclamation, as the
two met in the breakfast-room.

"Very bright, indeed!" said Arthur, who had come in with Zoe, smiling
kindly upon her as he spoke.

"Because it reflects the light and joy in my heart," she returned.
"Wouldn't it be strange if I were not happy in knowing that my husband
is not seriously hurt? Oh, we have been so happy together, that I have
often feared it could not last!"

"There seems every reasonable prospect that it will," Arthur said, as
they seated themselves at the table. "You are both young and healthy,
your tastes are congenial, and you have enough of this world's goods to
enable you to live free from carking cares and exhausting labors."

Zoe was in so great haste to return to Edward, that she could scarce
refrain from eating her breakfast more rapidly than was consistent with
either politeness toward her guests or a due regard for her own health:
but she tried to restrain her impatience; and Arthur, who perceived and
sympathized with it, exerted himself for her entertainment, telling
amusing anecdotes, and making mirth-provoking remarks.

Ella, perceiving his designs, joined in, in the same strain. Zoe