essed, greatly to his father's surprise,
even while he was every day gaining in health and strength.

Finally Mr. Palmer questioned him outright as to the cause; and Ray,
longing for both sympathy and advice, frankly told him the truth.

"That is too bad, Ray, and I am extremely sorry," the royal-hearted man
remarked. "I should be very sorry to have you disappointed in such a
matter, but do not be discouraged; we will do our best to find the
young lady, and then you shall bring her home as soon as you please."

"Then you approve of my choice?" Ray remarked, with some surprise at his
father's interest and even anxiety to have him succeed in his suit.

"Why not? I do not know Miss Montague, but I am sure that a niece of Mr.
Dinsmore, and reared with the care which he would be likely to bestow
upon her, could be objectionable to no one. Mr. Dinsmore was one of the
noblest of men," said Mr. Palmer, with hearty commendation.

"But Mona is only a penniless girl now," Ray responded, determined that
his father should fully comprehend the situation. "Mr. Dinsmore's wife
has claimed all his property, I have been told, and even if I could find
and win her, my bride would have to come to me without any dowry."

"That wouldn't trouble me in the least, my boy, provided the girl herself
was all right," his father gravely returned. "We have enough," he
continued, smiling, "without desiring to enrich ourselves by marrying
money. You shall choose your own wife, Ray, be she rich or poor, plain or
beautiful; only find a sensible little woman who will be a true wife and
make you happy, and I shall be more than satisfied."

"Thank you, father," Ray gratefully returned. "I wish there were more men
like yourself in the world--there would surely be fewer ill-assorted
marriages if there were. Only let me find Mona, and I will soon convince
you that she will be a girl after your own heart, as well as mine."

CHAPTER XIII.

AT THE RECEPTION.

One evening, after Ray's entire restoration to health, he and his father
attended a reception given by an old friend of Mr. Palmer's.

It was an unusually brilliant affair, for the Merrills were wealthy
people, and very socially inclined, and many of the best people of New
York were present.

Mr. Palmer was conversing with his host in a quiet way during a few
moments while he was at liberty, when his attention was attracted by the
entrance of a new arrival, whose advent seemed to create an