a lovely flush on her cheeks, a
brilliant light in her liquid brown eyes.

"Well, my pet, you look pretty enough to kiss," exclaimed Mr. Dinsmore,
assuming a lightness of manner which he was far from feeling. "Have you
had a pleasant call?"

"Indeed I have, Uncle Walter, and I have also had an invitation to attend
the opera to-night," Mona replied, with increasing color.

"Ah! then I imagine that Miss Susie did not come alone, eh?" and Mr.
Dinsmore smiled roguishly.

"No; Mr. Palmer was with her; and just as they were at the door, he
discovered that he had forgotten his cards, so he just penciled his name
on the back of Susie's; but I did not see it, and of course did not know
he was here until I went into the drawing-room," the young girl
explained.

"Palmer! Ray Palmer, the son of Amos Palmer, the diamond merchant?"
questioned Mr. Dinsmore.

"Yes, I have met him a number of times during the past year, and at
Susie's birthday party last week he asked permission to call. May I go
to-night, Uncle Walter?" Mona asked, with downcast eyes.

"Who else is to be in the party?" gravely inquired her uncle.

"Susie, and Louis, her brother."

"Then I have no objection to your going also," said Mr. Dinsmore; then
he added, as he searched the beautiful face beside him: "I know that
Ray Palmer is an exceptionally fine young man, and any girl might feel
honored in receiving his attentions. Is he agreeable to you, Mona?"

A vivid scarlet suffused the maiden's face at this pointed question, and
the gentleman laughed out softly as he beheld it.

"Never mind, dear," he continued, lightly. "I am already answered, and
Mr. Ray Palmer has my best wishes for his future success and happiness.
There, run back now, and tell your callers that you will join their
party."

A shy, sweet smile wreathed Mona's lips as she again left the room.

But she was not gone, long--scarcely five minutes had elapsed before she
returned, and gliding to Mr. Dinsmore's side, she said, with quiet
resolution:

"Now, Uncle Walter, I want to hear the remainder of what you have to tell
me about my father and mother."

CHAPTER IV.

MONA ASKS SOME PERTINENT QUESTIONS.

Mr. Dinsmore's face clouded instantly at Mona's request, but after
thinking a moment, he threw back his head with a resolute air, and said:

"There is not so very much more to tell, Mona--it is the oft repeated
story of too much love and trust on the part of a pure and lovely wo