"No," he said, "I'm not going to have your health sacrificed even to mental improvement; and certainly not to fancy work; I shall insist on plenty of rest and sleep and abundance of exercise in the open air for the dear little woman I have taken charge of." "Then, sir, you're not to be cross if the studies are not attended to." "They will be if put before novels, fancy work, and other equally unnecessary employments." "Well, I've said they shall be in future. O Ned," and she nestled closer to his side, looking up lovingly into his face, "it's ever so nice to have somebody to take care of me and love me as you do! How could I ever do without papa, who always petted me so, if I hadn't you?" "I hope you may never find out. I hope I may be spared to take care of you, as long as you need me, little wife," he said, pressing her closer to his side. Rosie met them in the hall on their return to Ion. "It's most tea time, Zoe," she said; "I think you'll not have any too much time for changing your dress." "Then I must needs make haste," returned Zoe, tripping up the stairs. Edward, who was taking off his overcoat, turned a rather surprised, inquiring glance upon his little sister. "Oh, yes," she said laughingly, "I had a reason for hurrying her away, because I want to tell you something. Cousin Ronald Lilburn is coming. Maybe he will be here by to-morrow. Mamma heard he wasn't well, and she wrote and invited him to come and spend the winter with us, and she's just had a letter saying he will come. Aren't you glad, Ned?" "I'm very well pleased, Rosie, but why shouldn't Zoe have heard your announcement?" "Because I wanted to warn you first not to tell her or the Raymonds something (you know what) that must be kept secret at first, if we want to have some fun." "Oh, yes!" he said, with a good-humored laugh. "Well, I think you may trust me not to tell. But how about all the others? Walter, especially?" "Oh, he doesn't remember anything about it; and grandpa and mamma and all the rest have promised not to tell." "And you are quite sure Rosie may be trusted not to let the secret slip out unintentionally?" he asked, pinching her round rosy cheek. "I hope so," she said, laughing and running away. Opening the library door and seeing Lulu there curled up in the corner of a sofa with a book, she stepped in, shutting the door behind her. Lulu looked up. "Shall I disturb you if I talk?" asked Rose. "I'm ready to listen," answered Lulu, half closing her book. "What have you to say?" "Oh, that Cousin Ronald Lilburn is coming, and I'm ever so glad, as you would be, too, if you knew him." "I never heard of him," said Lulu. "Is he a boy? is he older than Max?" "I should think so!" cried Rosie, with a merry laugh. "He has grown-up sons, and he looks a good deal older than grandpa." "Pooh! then why should I care about his coming!" exclaimed Lulu, in a tone of mingled impatience and contempt.