'Twouldn't be I that would
fret so after any man living--unless it might be grandpa," with a
coquettish, laughing look at him.
"Thank you, my dear," he said.
"Ah, lassie, that's a' because your time hasna come yet," remarked Mr.
Lilburn. "When it does, you'll be as lovelorn and foolish as the rest."
"Granting that it is foolish for a woman to love her husband," put in Mrs.
Dinsmore, sportively.
"A heresy never to be countenanced here," said her spouse; "the husbands
and wives of this family expect to give and receive no small amount of
that commodity. Do you set off again this morning, Ned?"
"No, sir; not before to-morrow; not then unless Zoe is ready to go with
me."
"Quite right, my boy, your wife's health and happiness are, as your mother
remarked to me yesterday, of more consequence than any mere business
matter."
On leaving the table Edward followed his mother out to the veranda.
"Can I have a word in private with you, mamma?" he asked, and she thought
his look was troubled.
"Certainly," she said. "I hope nothing is wrong with our little Zoe?"
"It is of her--and myself I want to speak.
Pages:
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282