your
government?"

"There you have asked a question that many of our own people are asking,
and which is difficult to answer without bringing a heavy charge against
our law-makers at Washington; a charge of gross neglect, whether induced
by bribery or not I do not pretend to decide."

"But it makes us blush for the honor of the land we love!" cried Zoe,
with heightened color and flashing eyes.

CHAPTER IX.

"Heaven gives us friends."

The train moved on, and Zoe settled herself back in her seat with a
contented sigh; it was so nice to think of soon being at home again after
months of absence. She had grown to love Ion very much, and she was
charmed with the idea of being mistress of the household for the week or
two that was to elapse before the return of the rest of the family.

But she was greatly interested in the Norwegian girls, and presently
began to occupy herself with plans for their benefit.

Edward watched her furtively, quite amused at the unwonted gravity of her
countenance.

"What, may I ask, is the subject of your meditations, little woman?" he
inquired, with a laughing look into her face, as the train came to a
momentary standstill at a country station. One might suppose, from your
exceeding grave and preoccupied air, that you were engaged in settling
the affairs of the nation."

"No, no, my load of care is somewhat lighter than that, Mr. Travilla,"
she returned with mock seriousness. "It is those poor girls I am thinking
of, and what employment can be found for them."

"Well, what is the conclusion arrived at? or is there none as yet?"

"I think--I am nearly sure, indeed--that if they are really expert
needlewomen, we can find plenty for them to do in our own family
connection; five families of us, you know."

"Five?"

"Yes: Ion, Fairview, The Laurels, The Oaks, and Roselands."

"Ah, yes; and it must take an immense amount of sewing to provide all the
changes of raiment desired by the ladies and children," he remarked
laughingly. "So that matter may be considered arranged, and my little
wife freed from care."

"No, I have yet to consider how they are to be conveyed from the city to
Ion, and what I am to do with them when I get them there. Mamma will not
be there to direct, you know."

"The first question is easily settled; I shall hire a hack for their
use. As to the other, why not let them have their meals served in the
sewing-room and occupy the bedroom opening into it?"