"Poor little orphan!" she sighed to herself, "she must feel very lonely
and forlorn in her husband's absence, especially if things have gone wrong
between them. How could I ever have borne a word or look of displeasure
from my husband! I hope she is not going to be ill."
"Is Zoe not coming down?" Mr. Dinsmore asked as the family gathered about
the dinner-table.
"I found her sleeping, papa, and thought it best not to wake her;" Elsie
answered. "I think she does not look quite well, and that sleep will do
her more good than anything else."
Zoe slept most of the afternoon, woke apparently more cheerful, and ate
with seeming enjoyment the delicate lunch presently brought her by Elsie's
orders; but she steadily declined to join the family at tea or in the
parlor.
She would much rather stay where she was for the rest of the day, she
said, as she felt dull and her head still ached a little.
Every one felt concerned about, and disposed to be as kind to her as
possible. Mrs. Dinsmore, Elsie, Violet, and Rosie all came in in the
course of the afternoon and evening to ask how she did, and express the
hope that she would soon be quite well again, and to try to cheer her up.
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