"He doesn't need it," Zoe exclaimed with spirit, turning on Ralph with flashing eyes. "Oh," he said, with a loud guffaw, "I should have remembered that any one taking the part of an abused wife is sure to have her wrath turned upon himself." "What do you mean by that, sir? I am _not_ an abused wife," said Zoe, tears springing to her eyes; "there never was a kinder, tenderer husband than mine, and I know he loves me dearly." "He does, indeed, dear; we none of us doubt that in the least; and so you can well afford to let Ralph enjoy his forlorn joke," remarked Mrs. Dinsmore, with an indignant, reproving look at the latter, who colored under it, and relapsed into silence. The weather was delightful, and the children having been given a half holiday, spent the afternoon in the grounds. Zoe forsook the company of the older people for theirs, and joined in their sports, for she was still child-like in her tastes. She was as active as a boy, and before her marriage had taken keen delight in climbing rocks and trees. The apple-trees in the orchard were in full bloom, and taking a fancy to adorn herself with their blossoms, she climbed up among the branches of one of the tallest, in order, as she said, to "take her pick and choice," Rosie, Lulu, Gracie and Walter standing near and watching her with eager interest. "Oh, Zoe, take care!" Rosie called to her, "that branch doesn't look strong, and you might fall and hurt yourself badly." "Don't you be afraid. I can take care of myself," she returned with a light laugh. But another voice spoke close at hand, fairly startling her, it was so unexpected. "Zoe, what mad prank is this? Let me help you down at once." "There's no need for you to trouble yourself, I am quite able to get down without assistance, when I'm ready," she replied, putting a strong emphasis upon the last words. "No; it is too dangerous," and he held up his arms with an imperative, "Come!" "How you do order me about," she muttered, half under her breath, and more than half inclined to rebel. But no; the children were looking and listening, and must not be allowed to suspect any unpleasantness between herself and her husband. She dropped into his arms, he set her upon her feet, drew her hand within his arm, and walked away with her. "I do not approve of tree-climbing for a married woman, Zoe," he said, when they were out of ear-shot of the children; "at least, not for my wife; and I must request you not to try it again." "It's a pity I didn't know how much my liberty would be curtailed by getting married," she returned bitterly. "And I am exceedingly sorry it is out of my power to restore your liberty to you, since it seems that would add to your happiness." At that she hastily withdrew her hand from his arm and walked quickly away from him, taking the direction of the house.