she felt that she could not do better than to remain where
she was, while she experienced a very gratifying feeling of independence
in being able to provide for herself.

She had seen Mr. Graves only once since leaving her own home, and then
she had met him on the street during one of her daily walks.

He had told her that Mr. Dinsmore's property had all passed into the
hands of his wife, although the house had not as yet been disposed of; it
had been rented, furnished, to a family for a year. He said he had never
met Mrs. Dinsmore; all her business had been transacted through her
lawyer, and the woman evidently did not like, for some reason, to appear
personally in the settlement of the property.

He kindly inquired how she endured the confinement of her new life, and
urged her cordially to come to him whenever she was tired and needed a
rest, telling her that she should always be sure of a warm welcome.

A day or two after this meeting with her old friend, and just as she was
returning from her usual walk, Mona encountered a young man as she was
about to mount the steps leading into Mrs. Montague's residence.

He was dressed in the height of fashion, and might have been regarded as
fairly good-looking if he had not been so conceited and self-conscious.

The young girl did not bestow more than a passing glance upon him,
supposing him to be some stranger whom she might never meet again.

She ran lightly up the steps, when, what was her surprise to find
him following her, and, just as she was on the point of ringing for
admittance, he stayed her hand, by remarking, with excessive politeness:

"I have a latch-key, miss--pray allow me to admit you."

Of course, Mona knew then that this young exquisite must be the nephew of
Mrs. Montague, of whom Mary had told her--Mr. Louis Hamblin.

She observed him more closely as she thanked him, and saw that he was
apparently about twenty-five years of age, with light-brown hair, blue
eyes, and somewhat irregular, yet not unpleasant, features. He was well
formed, rather tall, and carried himself with ease, though somewhat
proudly.

He was evidently impressed with Mona's appearance, as his look of
admiration plainly indicated.

He appeared to regard her as some visitor to see his aunt, for his manner
was both respectful and gentlemanly as he opened the door, and then stood
aside to allow her to pass in.

Mona bowed in acknowledgment of this courtesy, and, entering, passed