contrast between her and myself?"

"But there wouldn't be," she asserted. "I don't believe there's another
man in all the world quite so dear and good as my husband."

"Sweet flattery from your lips," he returned laughingly. "Now, dearest,
go and eat your breakfast. I have had mine."

"Ned, do you know our tormentor is gone?" she asked, lifting her head,
and looking into his eyes, with a glad light in her own.

"Yes, and am much relieved to know it," he replied. "And, dearest, she
shall never come again, if I can prevent it."




CHAPTER VII.

"Tell me the old, old story."


"My dear Zoe! what a happy face!" was Ella's pleased exclamation, as the
two met in the breakfast-room.

"Very bright, indeed!" said Arthur, who had come in with Zoe, smiling
kindly upon her as he spoke.

"Because it reflects the light and joy in my heart," she returned.
"Wouldn't it be strange if I were not happy in knowing that my husband