to rise earlier," she said, "and if I can't get time in that way
for all I want to do, I'll shorten my rides and walks."

"No," he said, "I'm not going to have your health sacrificed even to
mental improvement; and certainly not to fancy work; I shall insist on
plenty of rest and sleep and abundance of exercise in the open air for the
dear little woman I have taken charge of."

"Then, sir, you're not to be cross if the studies are not attended to."

"They will be if put before novels, fancy work, and other equally
unnecessary employments."

"Well, I've said they shall be in future. O Ned," and she nestled closer
to his side, looking up lovingly into his face, "it's ever so nice to have
somebody to take care of me and love me as you do! How could I ever do
without papa, who always petted me so, if I hadn't you?"

"I hope you may never find out. I hope I may be spared to take care of
you, as long as you need me, little wife," he said, pressing her closer to
his side.

Rosie met them in the hall on their return to Ion.

"It's most tea time, Zoe," she said; "I think you'll not have any too much
time for changing your dress."

"Then I must needs make haste," returned Zoe, tripping up the stairs.

Edward, who was taking off his overcoat, turned a rather surprised,
inquiring glance upon his little sister.

"Oh, yes," she said laughingly, "I had a reason for hurrying her away,
because I want to tell you something. Cousin Ronald Lilburn is coming.
Maybe he will be here by to-morrow. Mamma heard he wasn't well, and she
wrote and invited him to come and spend the winter with us, and she's just
had a letter saying he will come. Aren't you glad, Ned?"

"I'm very well pleased, Rosie, but why shouldn't Zoe have heard your
announcement?"

"Because I wanted to warn you first not to tell her or the Raymonds
something (you know what) that must be kept secret at first, if we want to
have some fun."

"Oh, yes!" he said, with a good-humored laugh. "Well, I think you may
trust me not to tell. But how about all the others? Walter, especially?"

"Oh, he doesn't remember anything about it; and grandpa and mamma and all
the rest have promised not to tell."

"And you are quite sure Rosie may be trusted not to let the secret slip
out unintentionally?" he asked, pinching her round rosy cheek.

"I hope so," she said, laughing and running away.

Opening the library door and seeing Lulu there curled up in the corner of
a sofa with a