CHAPTER XVII.
"Benedict the married man." -- _Shakspeare_.
Violet's wedding-day was drawing near and Edward had not been heard from, still they hoped he was on his way home and would yet arrive in season.
Each day they looked for a telegram saying what train would bring him to their city, but none came.
Edward had not written because a letter would travel no faster than themselves, and did not telegraph because so little could be said in that way.

All things considered, it seemed as well to take his mother and the rest entirely by surprise.
He had no fear that his little wife would meet with other than a kind reception, astounded as doubtless they would be to learn that he had one.
But he would have the surprise come upon them all at home, where no stranger eye would witness the meeting; therefore sent no warning of his coming lest some one of them should meet him at the depot.
Yet the first object that met his eye on turning about from assisting Zoe to alight from the train, was the Ion family carriage, with Solon standing at the horses' heads.
"Ki! Marse Ed'ard, you's here sho nuff!" cried the man, grinning with satisfaction.
"Yes, Solon," Edward said, shaking hands with him.

"Who came in with you ?" "Nobody, sah.

You wasn't spected particular, kase you didn't send no word.
But Miss Elsie tole me fotch de kerridge anyhow, an' mebbe you mout be here." "So I am, Solon, and my wife with me," presenting Zoe, who timidly held out her little gloved hand.
Solon took it respectfully, gazing at her in wide-eyed and open-mouthed wonder.

"Ki! Marse Ed'ard, you don' say you's ben an' gwine an' got married! Why dere's weddin's an' weddin's in de family!" "So it seems, Solon," laughed Edward, putting Zoe into the carriage and taking his place beside her, "but as I am older than Miss Vi, my turn should come before hers.