I beg the use of a horse and saddle
for a couple of hours?"

"Certainly, Mr. Palmer--whatever I have in the stable in the form of
horses or vehicles is as the disposal of my guests," was the courteous
reply. "It is a fine morning for a ride," the gentleman added, "and
perchance," with an arch smile, "you may be able to find some bright-eyed
maiden who would be glad to accompany you."

Ray thanked him, and then hastened away to the stable to select his
horse--his companion he knew he would find later on. In less than fifteen
minutes from the time he had seen Mona leave the grounds he was cantering
in the same direction; but she was a rapid walker, and he did not
overtake her until she had nearly reached the village.

She caught the sound of a horse's hoofs behind her, but did not like to
look back to see who was approaching, and it was only when the equestrian
was close beside her that she glanced up to find the fond, smiling eyes
of her lover resting upon her.

The glad look of welcome which leaped into her own eyes and flashed over
her face told him how well he was beloved far better than any words could
have done.

"_Ray_!" she exclaimed, in a joyous tone, as he drew rein beside her, and
unhesitatingly laid her hand within the strong palm which he extended to
her.

"My darling!" he returned, as he leaped to the ground, "this is an
unexpected pleasure! I hardly dared to hope that I should see you alone
to-day. How does it happen that you are so far from Hazeldean and
walking?"

"Mrs. Montague had a few errands which she wished me to do for her in the
village," Mona explained.

"Could she not have arranged for you to ride?" Ray asked, with a frown,
and flushing to have his dear one's comfort so ignored.

"Oh, I do not mind the walk in the least," she hastened to say. "The
morning is very lovely, and I am glad, on the whole, for I should have
missed you if I had ridden."

"True, I saw you just as you were leaving Hazeldean, and so came after
you," Ray returned, smiling.

They were just entering Rhinebeck now, and Mona looked anxiously up and
down the street.

She feared that some of the other guests at Hazeldean might be about and
see her with Ray if they should go through the place together.

He was quick to note the anxiety, and to understand its cause.

"How long will it take you to make your purchases, Mona?" he inquired,
looking at his watch.

"Half an hour, perhaps," she replied.

"Well, then