rself rapidly, but all the
time appeared preoccupied and troubled about something.

"I believe I shall let Louis marry her if he wants to. I could settle the
hundred thousand on him, and stipulate that they go West, or somewhere
out of the State, to live. I believe I'll do it," she murmured once,
while thus engaged, "that is, if--"

She did not finish the sentence, but, with a resolute step and air, went
down to her breakfast.

She had no appetite, however, and after dallying at the table for half an
hour or so, she went up stairs again and entered the sewing-room.

She found Mona busy at work upon the tea-gown--a beautiful robe of
old-rose cashmere, made up with a lighter shade of heavy armure silk.

"Can you finish it in season?" she inquired.

"Oh, yes, easily. I have about an hour's more work to do upon it," the
young girl answered.

"That is well, for I want you to go down town to do some shopping for me.
I cannot attend to it, as I wish to keep fresh for my high-tea this
afternoon," Mrs. Montague returned, flushing slightly. Then she added:
"I will make out a list of what I need, and you may go as soon as the
dress is done."

Mona was pleased with the commission, for the morning was lovely, and
she had felt unusually weak and weary ever since rising. The close
application to which she had been subjected since her return from
Hazeldean--for she had been hurried with spring sewing--had worn upon
her.

A feeling of discouragement had also taken possession of her, for she
seemed no nearer learning the truth about her mother than when she had
first come there.

She was confident that Mrs. Montague had been her father's second wife,
and she fully believed that she must have in her possession papers,
letters, or some other documents that would reveal all that she wished
to know regarding Richmond Montague's first marriage, and give her some
information regarding the great sorrow that had so blighted the life of
his beautiful young wife.

She had promised that she would give herself to Ray at the end of three
months; he still held her to that promise, and six weeks of the time had
already elapsed, and she seemed to be no nearer the attainment of her
desires than when she had made it.

True, she had found the picture of her mother, and learned that her name
was Mona Forester. She had also discovered that a relative had been
seeking for her with the desire of leaving her all that he possessed.

But all this