since leaving home, and I am about
ready to go back myself. I am sure I do not wish to keep you if you are
unhappy or discontented, and so we will take the afternoon boat if you
like. I feel a certain responsibility regarding you, and could not think
of allowing you to return alone and unprotected," she interposed, a
curious smile curving her lips; then she added: "I will have Louis go to
secure staterooms immediately, and you can do your packing as soon as
you like."

"It is all done. I am ready to go at any hour, but," and Mona flushed, "I
should prefer to go by rail, as we could reach New York much more quickly
than by boat."

Mrs. Montague frowned at this remark.

"Pray do not be in such an unnecessary hurry, Ruth," she said, with some
impatience. "It is much pleasanter traveling by boat than by rail at this
season of the year, and I enjoy the water far more. I think you might
oblige one by yielding that much," and the woman watched her anxiously as
she awaited her reply.

"Very well," Mona said, gravely, though reluctantly. "I will do as you
wish. At what hour does the steamer leave?"

"I don't know. I shall have to ask Louis, and I will tell you later. Now,
I wish you would baste some fresh ruching on my traveling dress, then you
may hem the new vail that you will find upon my dressing-case," and
having given these directions, Mrs. Montague hurried from the room to
find her nephew.

She met him in the hall, where he had been walking back and forth, for he
surmised what the nature of Mona's interview would be, and knew that the
time had come for him to act with boldness if he hoped to win the prize
he coveted.

"Come into your room, where we shall not be overheard," Mrs. Montague
whispered, and leading the way thither, they were soon holding an earnest
consultation over this unexpected interruption of the scheme which they
had arranged the night before.

They talked for half an hour, after which Mrs. Montague returned to her
parlor and Louis at once left the hotel.

He did not return until nearly lunch time, when, in Mona's presence, he
informed his aunt that the staterooms were secured, and the boat would
leave at seven that evening.

"If you will get your trunks ready I will send them aboard early, and
then I shall have no trouble about baggage at the last moment, and can
look after your wraps and satchels," he remarked, as he glanced
significantly at his aunt.

"Mine are ready to strap, and Ruth'