ith a vivid blush; "and I'm not
sure that I'll do it even in that case."

"Oh, yes you will," he said, laughingly. "You know you promised to be
always good and obedient on condition that I would love you and keep
you; and I'm doing both to the very best of my ability."

"But you won't be if you send me away from you. No, no; I have a right
to stay with you, and I shall claim it always," she returned, clinging
to him as if she feared an immediate separation.

"Foolish child!" he said, with a happy laugh, holding her close; "think
what you would lose: the sea voyage in the pleasantest of company--"

"No; the pleasantest company would be left behind if you were," she
interrupted.

"Well, very delightful company," he resumed; "then I don't know how many
weeks of the oppressive heat here you would have to endure, instead of
enjoying the cool, refreshing breezes sweeping over Nantucket. Surely,
you cannot give it all up without a sigh?"

"I can't give up the thought of enjoying it all with you without
sighing, and crying, too, maybe," she answered, smiling through tears;
"but I'd sigh and cry ten times as much if I had to go and leave you
behind. No, Mr. Travilla, you needn't indulge the hope of getting rid of
me for even a week. I'm determined to stay where you stay, and go only
where you go."

"Dreadful fate!" he exclaimed. "Well, little wife, I shall do my best to
avert the threatened disappointment of your hopes of a speedy departure
out of this heated atmosphere and a delightful sea voyage to that famous
island. Now, I must leave you and begin at once my search for a
substitute as manager of the plantation."

"Oh, I do hope you will succeed!" she said. "Shall I go on with my
packing?"

"Just as you please, my dear; perhaps it would be best; as otherwise you
may be hurried with it if we are able to go with the others."

"Then I shall; and I'm determined not to look for disappointment," she
said, in a lively, cheery tone, as he left the room,

At the conclusion of his conference with Edward, Mr. Dinsmore sought his
daughter in her own apartments. He found her busied much as Zoe was,
looking over clothing and selecting what ought to be packed in the
trunks a man-servant was bringing in.

She had thrown aside the widow's weeds in which she was wont to array
herself when about to leave the seclusion of her own rooms, and donned a
simple white morning dress that was very becoming, her father thought.

"Excuse m