you I would do anything
for love and coaxing," she answered in a sprightly tone, with her arm
still about his neck, her eyes gazing fondly into his.

He drew her closer. "I'll try always to remember and practice upon that,"
he said, "Now, darling, don that very becoming hat and habit you wore this
morning."

Miss Deane was an accomplished coquette, whose greatest delight was to
prove her power over every man who came in her way, whether married or
single, and perceiving Zoe's dislike to her, and jealousy of any attention
paid her by Edward, she took a malicious pleasure in drawing him to her
side whenever opportunity offered, and keeping him there as long as
possible.

Edward, with a heart entirely true to his young wife, endeavored to resist
the fascinations of the siren and avoid her when politeness would permit;
and Zoe struggled against her inclination to jealousy, yet Miss Deane
succeeded in the course of a few days in bringing about a slight coldness
between them.

They did not actually quarrel, but there was a cessation of loving looks
and endearing words and names. It was simply Zoe and Edward now instead of
dearest and love and darling, while they rather avoided than sought each
other's society.

Edward was too busy to walk or ride with his wife, and Max and Ralph
Conly, at home now for the Easter holidays and self-invited to Ion, became
the almost constant sharers of her outdoor exercise.

Edward saw it with displeasure, for Ralph was no favorite with him. When
things had gone on in that way for several days, he ventured upon a mild
remonstrance, telling Zoe he would rather she would not make a familiar
associate of Ralph.

"If I am debarred from my husband's society, I'm not to be blamed for
taking what I can get," she answered coldly.

"I don't blame you for what is past, Zoe," he said, "but request that in
future you will not have more to do with Ralph than is quite necessary."

Zoe was in a defiant mood. She walked away without making any reply, and
an hour later Edward met her riding out with Ralph by her side. Max was
not with them, as it was during his study hours, and they had not even an
attendant.

They had been laughing and chatting gayly, but at sight of Edward a sudden
silence fell on them.

Zoe's head drooped and her cheeks flushed hotly as she perceived the dark
frown on her husband's brow. She expected some cutting word of rebuke, but
he simply wheeled his horse about, placing him