is not seriously hurt? Oh, we have been so happy together, that I have
often feared it could not last!"

"There seems every reasonable prospect that it will," Arthur said, as
they seated themselves at the table. "You are both young and healthy,
your tastes are congenial, and you have enough of this world's goods to
enable you to live free from carking cares and exhausting labors."

Zoe was in so great haste to return to Edward, that she could scarce
refrain from eating her breakfast more rapidly than was consistent with
either politeness toward her guests or a due regard for her own health:
but she tried to restrain her impatience; and Arthur, who perceived and
sympathized with it, exerted himself for her entertainment, telling
amusing anecdotes, and making mirth-provoking remarks.

Ella, perceiving his designs, joined in, in the same strain. Zoe
presently entered into their mood, and they seemed, as in fact they
were, a light-hearted and happy little breakfast party; both Arthur and
Ella feeling greatly relieved by the favorable change in their cousin,
not for Zoe's sake alone, but also because of their own affection for
him.

Edward no longer needed Arthur as nurse: indeed, Zoe claimed the right
to a monopoly of the, to her, sweet task of waiting upon him, and
attending to all his wants. So Arthur resigned in that capacity, but was
to continue his visits as physician.

He and Ella returned to Roselands shortly after leaving the
breakfast-table; and Zoe, in joyous, tender mood, took her place by her
husband's bedside.