"Yes, indeed!" they both replied. "Oh, we have ever so many beautiful
things! Papa and grandma Elsie helped us to choose them; so, of course,
they are all just right," added Lulu, looking gratefully from one to the
other.

"She takes no account of _my_ very valuable assistance," laughed Zoe.

"Never mind: you are sure to be appreciated in one quarter," said
Edward, coming up at that moment, catching her round the waist, and
bestowing a hearty kiss upon each cheek. "I have been lost without my
wife all day."

"How good of you!" she returned merrily. "I doubt if it isn't a very
good plan to run away occasionally, that I may be the more highly
appreciated on my return."

"Would you advise me to do likewise, and for the same reason, lady
mine?" he asked, drawing her caressingly aside from the little group now
busily occupied in telling and hearing about the day's purchases.

"No, sir," she said, tossing back her curls, and looking up into his
face with a bewitchingly saucy smile: "you'd better not attempt it, lest
there should be mutiny in the camp. When you go, I go too."

"Turn about, fair play," he said, knitting his brows. "I claim the
privilege of being quite as independent as you are--when you can't plead
delegated authority from the doctor;" and, drawing her hand within his
arm, he led her away to their private apartments.

Violet, hurrying down to welcome her husband home, passed them on the