"So you shall, dear, some day; but mamma's theory is that plain sewing should be thoroughly mastered first. That has been her plan with all her children, and Rosie has done scarcely any fancy work yet." "But mamma has promised to let me learn all I can about it this winter," remarked Rosie, with much satisfaction. "Mamma," Zoe said, with a blush, "I'm afraid I ought to join your plain-sewing class. I should be really ashamed to exhibit any of my work in that line." "Well, dear child, I shall be glad to receive you as a pupil if you desire it," Elsie returned, giving her a motherly glance and smile. "Hark!" exclaimed Zoe, hastily gathering up her work, her cheeks rosy and eyes sparkling with pleasure. "I hear Edward's step and voice," and she tripped out of the room. "How fond she is of him!" Violet remarked, looking after her with a pleased smile. "Yes," said her mother, "it does my heart good to see how they love each other. And I think we are all growing fond of Zoe." "Yes, indeed, mamma!" came in chorus from her three daughters. "I'm sure we are; my husband and I as well as the rest," added Mrs. Dinsmore. "And, Vi," said Elsie Leland laughingly, "I really think mamma's new sons are as highly appreciated in the family as her new daughter, and that all three doat upon their new mother. Mamma, Lester says you are a pattern mother-in-law, and I answer, 'Of course; mamma is a pattern in every relation in life.'" "My child, don't allow yourself to become a flatterer," returned her mother gravely. "Zoe, Zoe, where are you?" Edward was calling from below. "Here," she answered, running down to meet him. "I've been in the school-room with mamma and the others," she added, as she gained his side, and looking up brightly into his face as she spoke. "Ah," he said, bending down to kiss the ruby lips. "I thought you were to be my pupil." "Oh, so I am! except in purely feminine accomplishments. See!" holding up her work. "I've been busy with this. It was the sewing hour, and sister Elsie read aloud to us while we worked." "Ah, yes! I have been reader many a time while mamma and sisters plied the needle." "How nice! you are such a beautiful reader! But she is almost as good." "Not only almost, but altogether," he returned gayly as he held open the door of her boudoir for her to enter, then followed her in. "I've come now to hear your recitations. I suppose you are quite prepared," he added, drawing up a chair for her, and glancing at a pile of books lying on the table. "No," she said, coloring and dropping her eyes with a slightly mortified air. "I meant to be, but so many things happened to interfere. I had a letter to write, then some ladies called, and then----" "Well?" he said interrogatively, as she paused, coloring still more deeply. "I wanted to finish the book I was reading last night. I really couldn't fix my thoughts on stupid lessons until I knew what became of the heroine."