ft him in, men," to the by-standers. "And you, cousin Zoe, get into
your carriage, and drive on behind it, or ahead if you choose."

"Can't I ride in the ambulance beside him?" she asked, almost
imploringly.

"No, no: you will both be more comfortable In doing as I have directed."

"Then, please go with him yourself," she entreated.

"I shall do so, certainly," he answered, motioning her away, then
stooping to assist the others in lifting the injured man.

Zoe would not stir till she had seen Edward put into the ambulance, and
made as comfortable for his ride home as circumstances would permit.
Then, as the vehicle moved slowly off, she hurried to her carriage.

Ben helped her in, sprang into his own seat, and, as he took the reins
from Ella, Zoe gave the order, "Home now, Uncle Ben, keeping as close
behind the ambulance as you can."

"Oh, don't, Zoe! you oughtn't to!" expostulated Ella, perceiving that
her cousin was crying violently behind her veil. "I don't think Ned is
very badly hurt. Didn't you hear Arthur say so?"

"He only expressed such a hope: he didn't say certainly," sobbed Zoe.
"And when people are in danger, doctors always try to hide it from their
friends."

"Arthur is perfectly truthful," asserted Ella, with some warmth. "He may
keep his opinions to himself at times, but he never builds people up
with false hopes. So cheer up, coz," she added, squeezing Zoe's hand
affectionately.

"I know that what you say of cousin Arthur is all true," sobbed Zoe;
"but I could see he had fears as well as hopes: and--and--Ned doesn't
seem a bit like himself; he has such a dazed look, as if not quite in
his right mind."

"But he knew you and Art; and it is to be expected that a man would feel
dazed after such a shock as he must have had."

"Yes, of course. Oh, I'm afraid he's dreadfully, dreadfully hurt, and
will never get over it!"

"Still," returned Ella, "try to hope for the best. Don't you think that
is the wiser plan always?"

"I suppose so," said Zoe, laughing and crying hysterically; "but I can't
be wise to-night; indeed, I never can."

CHAPTER VI.

"And, if division come, it soon is past,
Too sharp, too strange an agony to last."
MRS. NORTON.

Christine and Aunt Phillis, who had been left in charge of Miss Deane,
had had a sore trial of patience in waiting upon her, humoring her
whims, listening to her fretting and complaints, and trying to soothe
and entertain her. She was extremely