wheels on the drive, and ran out, expecting to see him, as it was about
time for his return from Roselands.

It was the Ion carriage she had heard, but only Ella Conly alighted from
it.

They exchanged greetings, then Zoe asked half breathlessly, "Where's
Edward?"

"Gone," Ella responded, moving on into the hall. "Come, let's go into
the parlor, and sit down, and I'll tell you all I know about it. Why,
Zoe," as she turned and caught sight of her companion's face, "you are
as pale as death, and look ready to faint! There's nothing to be scared
about, and you mustn't mind my nonsense."

"Oh, tell me! tell me quickly!" gasped Zoe, sinking into a chair, her
hands clasped beseechingly, her eyes wild with terror: "what, what has
happened?"

"Nothing, child, nothing, except that we met cousin Horace on our way
here, and he carried Ned off to Union. They had to hurry to catch a
train, in order to be in time for some business matter in the city, I
didn't understand what: so Ned couldn't wait to write the least bit of a
note to tell you about it; and he told me to explain every thing to you,
and say you were not to fret or worry, not even if he shouldn't get home
to-night; for he might not be able to finish up the business in time for
even the last train that would bring him."

The color had come back to Zoe's cheek, but her countenance was still
distressed; and as Ella concluded, two scalding tears rolled quickly