"It is a very fine set," Elsie answered, with a smile, glancing
admiringly at the jewels and from them to the blooming face of the
wearer. "A most suitable gift for his little wife."

"He's so good to me, mamma," Zoe said, with warmth. "I love him better
every day we live together, and couldn't think of leaving him behind
alone, when you all go off to Nantucket. I do hope he'll be able to find
somebody to take his place; but if he isn't I shall stay here with him."

"That is quite right, dear child; I am very glad you love him so
dearly," Elsie said, with a very pleased look; "but I hope your
affection will not be put to so severe a test; we have heard of a very
suitable person, though it is still uncertain whether his services can
be secured. We shall probably know to-morrow."

"Perhaps sooner than that," Mr. Dinsmore said, approaching them just in
time to hear his daughter's last sentence; "Edward has gone to have an
interview with him, and hopes for a definite reply to his proposition.
Ah, here he comes now!" as Edward was seen to turn in at the great gates
and come up the avenue at a gentle trot. It was too warm for a gallop.

As he drew near he took off his hat and waved it in triumph round his
head. "Success, good friends!" he cried, reining in his steed at the
veranda steps. Then, as he threw the reins to a servant and sprang to
the ground, "Zoe, my darling, you can go on with your packing; we may
confidently expect to be able to sail with the rest."

"Oh delightful!" she exclaimed, dancing about as gleefully as if she had
been a maiden of eight or ten instead of a woman just closing the first
year of her married life.