Darling mother!" he exclaimed, throwing his free arm about her and giving
her an ardent kiss. Then drawing forward the blushing, trembling Zoe. "My
little wife, mother dear you will love her now for my sake, and soon for
her own. She is all ours--alone in the world but for us."

Before the last words had left his lips Zoe felt herself folded in a
tender embrace, while the sweetest of voices said, "Dear child! you are
alone no longer. I will be a true mother to you--my Edward's wife--and you
shall be one of my dear daughters."

A gentle, loving kiss accompanied the words, and all Zoe's fears were put
to flight; glad tears rained down her cheeks as she clung about the neck
of her new-found mother.

"Oh, I love you already," she sobbed.

Mrs. Dinsmore next embraced the little bride with a kind, "Welcome to Ion,
my dear."

Then Mr. Dinsmore took her in his arms, saying, with a kiss and a look of
keen but kindly scrutiny into the blushing face, "Edward has given us a
surprise, but a very pretty and pleasant-looking one. I am your grandpa,
my dear."

"Oh, I am glad! I never had a grandpa before. But you hardly look old
enough, sir," she said, smiling, while the blush deepened on her cheek.

The others crowded round; each had a kiss and kind word of welcome for her
as well as for Edward.

Then the news of the arrival having spread through the house, the servants
came flocking about them, eager to see and shake hands with "Marse Ed'ard"
and his bride.

Zoe went through it all with easy grace, but Elsie noted that her cheek
was paling and her figure drooping with weariness.

"She is tired, Edward; we will take her to your apartments, where she can
lie down and rest," she said. "All this excitement is very trying after
her long and fatiguing journey. You both should have some refreshment too.
What shall it be?"

"Thank you, mamma; I will consult her when I get her up there, then ring
and order it," Edward said, putting his arm round Zoe's waist and half
carrying her up the stairs, his mother leading the way.

"There, Zoe, what think you of your husband's bachelor quarters?" he asked
gayly, as he deposited her in an easy-chair, took off her hat, and stood
looking fondly down at her, Elsie on the other side, looking at her too
with affectionate interest.

"Oh, lovely!" cried Zoe, glancing about upon her luxurious surroundings.
"I am sure I shall be very happy here with you, Edward," with a fond look
up into his face