me, from what you have told
us, and if she should prove wayward and at times unreasonable, be very
patient and forbearing with her."

"I trust I shall, grandpa," he answered. "I cannot expect her to be quite
the woman she would have made under my mother's training; but she is young
enough to profit by mamma's sweet teachings and example even yet. I find
her very docile and teachable, very affectionate, and desirous to be and
do all I would have her."

Zoe came down for the evening simply but tastefully attired in white,
looking very sweet and fair. She was evidently disposed to be on friendly
terms with her new relatives, yet clung with a pretty sort of shyness to
her young husband, who perceived it with delight, regarding her ever and
anon with fond, admiring eyes.

It excited no jealousy in mother or sisters. Such an emotion was quite
foreign to Elsie's nature and found small place in the heart of any one of
her children.

Violet, spite of the near approach of her own nuptials, was sufficiently
at leisure from herself to give time and thought to this new sister,
making her feel that she was so esteemed, and winning for herself a large
place in Zoe's heart.

Indeed all exerted themselves to make Zoe fully aware that they considered
her quite one of the family. That very evening she was taken with Edward
to Vi's room to look at the trousseau, told of all the arrangements for
the wedding and the summer sojourn at the North, and made the recipient of
many handsome presents from Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore, Elsie, and Violet.

But for her recent sad bereavement she would have been a very happy little
woman indeed. As it was she was bright and cheerful when with the family,
but had occasional paroxysms of grief when alone with Edward, in which she
wept bitterly upon his breast, he soothing her with tenderest caresses and
words of endearment.

Violet's wedding was strictly private, only near relatives being present;
but in accordance with the wishes of the whole family, she was richly
attired in white silk, orange blossoms, and costly bridal veil.

Zoe, leaning on Edward's arm, watched her through the ceremony with
admiring eyes, more than half regretting that the haste of her own
marriage had precluded the possibility of so rich and becoming a bridal
dress for herself--a thought which she afterward expressed to Edward in
the privacy of their own apartments. "Never mind, my sweet," he said,
holding her close to his heart