ed where they were to be.

Then she packed what she thought she would need to take with her, after
which she went to assist Mrs. Montague. She found that she had been very
expeditious, for she had one trunk already packed and locked, ready to be
strapped, and was busily engaged filling another.

Their arrangements were all made and they were ready to start by the time
dinner was served, and this meal Mrs. Montague insisted they should eat
together, as they must leave immediately afterward.

She was very chatty and agreeable, treating Mona more as an equal than
she had ever done before. She seemed in excellent spirits, and talked so
gayly and enthusiastically about the trip that the young girl really
began to anticipate it with considerable pleasure.

Mary and the cook were to have a holiday during their absence; the house
was to be closed, and the coachman alone would remain about the premises
to look after the horses and see that nothing happened to the place.

At seven o'clock they left the house, and an hour later were seated in a
luxurious Wagner, and rolling rapidly Southward.

They arrived in St. Louis on the morning of the second day, and drove
directly to the Southern Hotel, where Mrs. Montague said they would
remain for a day or two, to rest, and where the friends who were going
down the Mississippi to New Orleans with them would join them.

The following morning Mrs. Montague dressed herself with great care, and
told Mona that she was going out to make some calls, adding that she
might amuse herself as she chose, for there was nothing to be done,
and she might get lonely to remain alone in the hotel.

The young girl resolved to improve the opportunity and look about the
city a little on her own account.

She donned her hat and jacket, and running down to the street, hailed the
first car that came along, with the intention of riding as far as it
would take her.

She changed her purpose, however, as the car was about passing a street
leading down to the great bridge across the Mississippi.

She had heard and read a great deal about the grand structure, and she
determined to walk across and see how it would compare with the wonderful
Brooklyn Bridge.

She was feeling very well, the morning was bright, and she enjoyed her
walk immensely. By the time she returned her cheeks were like wild roses,
and her whole face glowing from exercise.

She was a little weary, however, and glad to get seated again in