Edward saw his mother to the door and kissed her good-night.
“My dear boy, I am very glad for you,” she said, “glad that you and your young wife, the mother of your babes, are at last travelling the same road, and may hope to spend a blest eternity together.”
“Yes, mother dear, I think I have great reason to thank God for that narrow escape of ours from a sudden, terrible death,” he replied in tones tremulous with emotion. “It was better than not to have been in danger, since it has proved to be the means of opening Zoe’s eyes to her guilt and danger as a sinner who had never sought pardon and safety in the one way God has provided.”
“Yes, my heart sings for joy for her and for you. But she is quite worn out; get her to bed and to sleep as soon as you can.” So saying Elsie hastened downstairs, where she found the rest of her family and her guests sitting in the veranda talking over the events of the day, particularly the narrow escape of those present at the fall of the tree in the wood.
Both Harold and Herbert sprang up at sight of their mother and hastened to hand her to a comfortable seat.
“A good deal shaken and exhausted by her fright, papa; but I hope a night’s sleep will restore her to usual health and spirits.
“O Herbert, my dear son,” turning to him, “how thankful I am for your escape as well as for theirs!”
“As I am for your sake, mother, as well as my own,” Herbert returned, taking her hand and carrying it to his lips; for he had seated himself close at her side.
“There’s the telephone bell!” exclaimed Rosie, springing to her feet and running into the hall.
She found that Captain Raymond was calling from Woodburn to ask after Edward, Zoe, and the others who had been present at the fall of the tree. He was glad to learn that they had escaped injury and were doing well.
His inquiry was followed almost immediately by a similar one from Fairview, then from each of the other places with which Ion had such connection, and all expressed themselves relieved to learn that none of the little party had been injured.
At Woodburn the captain and his two gentlemen guests sat conversing together.
“This is a beautiful country, captain,” remarked Hugh. “Father and I are so well pleased with it, and with the relatives we have found here, that we have serious thoughts of settling in the neighborhood.”