"Wouldn't it be well for you to advise her never to set foot on that dangerous veranda again ?" Arthur smiled.

"That would be a waste of breath," he said, "while Ion is so delightful a place to visit." "How are they all at Viamede ?" he asked, turning to Edward.
"Quite well at last accounts, thank you," Edward replied, adding, with a slight sigh, "I wish they were here,--my mother at least, if none of the others." Zoe colored violently.

"Cousin Arthur, do you think I am needed in your patient's room ?" she asked.
"Only to cheer and amuse her with your pleasant society," he answered.
"She would find neither pleasure nor amusement in my society," said Zoe; "and hers is most distasteful to me." "That's a pity," said Arthur, with a look of concern.

"Suppose I lend you Ella for a few days?
She, I think, would rather enjoy taking the entertainment of your guest off your hands." "Oh, thank you!" said Zoe, brightening; "that would be a relief: and, besides, I should enjoy Ella myself, between times, and after Miss Deane goes home." "Please tell Ella we will both be greatly obliged if she will come," Edward said.
"I'll do so," said Arthur, rising to go; "but I have a long drive to take, in another direction, before returning to Roselands.

And you must remember," he added with a smile, "that I lend her for only a few days.
Cal and I wouldn't know how to do without her very long." With that, he took his departure, leaving Edward and Zoe alone together.
"I am sorry, Zoe, that you thought it necessary to let Arthur into the secret of the mutual dislike between Miss Deane and yourself," remarked Edward, in a grave, reproving tone.
Zoe colored angrily.