ith unusual consideration:

"Shall I send you in the carriage?"

"No, I should prefer to take a car down town and then walk about to the
different stores. I sit so much I shall be glad of the exercise," Mona
replied, as she turned to leave the room, but wondering what Mrs.
Montague had been going to add when she stopped so suddenly.

CHAPTER VI.

RAY MAKES AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY.

Mona hastened to her own chamber, after leaving Mrs. Montague, where she
hastily exchanged her house dress for a street costume, and then started
out upon her errands.

She had a great deal to think of in connection with her recent
conversation with Mrs. Montague, but, although much had been said that
had annoyed her greatly, on the whole she had been inspired with fresh
hope that the mystery enshrouding her mother's life would eventually be
solved.

She therefore quickly recovered her spirits, and her face was bright and
animated as she tripped away to catch the car at the corner of the
street.

She had several errands to do, and she very much enjoyed the freedom of
running about to the different stores, to buy the pretty things regarding
which Mrs. Montague had discovered she possessed excellent taste and
judgment.

She had nearly completed her purchases--all but some lace, which that
lady wished to add to the ravishing tea-gown which was to be worn that
evening, and to get this she would have to pass Mr. Palmer's jewelry
store.

Her heart beat fast as she drew near it, for she had been hoping all the
way down town that she might see Ray and have a few minutes' chat with
him.

She glanced in at the large show-window, as she went slowly by, and,
fortunately, Ray was standing quite near, behind the counter, talking
with a customer.

He caught sight of her instantly, but indicated it only by a quick flash
of the eyes, and a grave bow, and quietly continued his conversation.

Mona knew, however, that having seen her, he would seek her at the
earliest possible moment, and so slowly sauntered on, looking in at
the different windows which she passed.

It was not long until she caught the sound of a quick step behind her,
and the next moment a firm, strong hand clasped hers, while a pair of
fond, true eyes looked the delight which her lover experienced at the
unexpected meeting.

"My darling!--I was thinking of you the very moment you passed, and
wishing that I could see you. I have something very important to tell
you,