inger.

A hot, crimson flush dyed the young man's white face with a sense of
shame, such as he had never before experienced in the presence of any
one, while the purple veins stood out in ridges upon his forehead.

He was completely cowed before her. Conscious himself of the insincerity
and unworthiness of his declaration, he knew that she also had read him
like an open book, and the knowledge made him fearfully angry; while to
be foiled in his purpose and browbeaten by this girl, whom he imagined to
be only what she seemed, was more than his indomitable spirit could
tamely submit to.

"A love like mine is not to be despised, and you shall yet find it so,"
he muttered between his tightly shut teeth.

Mona would not deign him a reply, but standing in the same attitude, she
again motioned him to go.

Unable longer to endure the unflinching gaze of her clear, scornful eyes,
he shrank back through the portieres, which instantly fell into place
again, and Mona, with a smile of disdain curving her red lips, went back
to her seat by the window.

But all enjoyment in her book was gone; she was much excited, for she had
been greatly shaken by the interview and made to feel her position as she
never yet had done; and after sitting a few moments gazing sadly out of
the window she again went up to her own room.

CHAPTER XVI.

MONA LEARNS SOMETHING OF RAY.

That same evening as Mona was passing up stairs from the laundry, whither
she had been to press out the ruffles of a dress, which Mrs. Montague
wished to wear at the german a few hours later, she heard the hall-bell
ring a resounding peal.

She hastened on, for she did not wish to be observed by strangers, but as
she reached the upper landing, she caught some hearty words of welcome
from Mr. Wellington, the host, and knew that another guest had arrived.

But she suddenly stopped short, and the color receded from her cheeks,
while her heart beat with quick, heavy throbs as she heard the name of
Palmer pronounced.

"Can it be possible that Ray Palmer is the newcomer?" she asked herself.

She leaned over the banister, curiosity and an eager longing prompting
her to ascertain if he were the guest.

But no, it was not Ray.

She saw instead an elderly gentleman, of benevolent and genial
appearance, who seemed to be a valued friend of the family, judging
from the enthusiastic greeting which his host accorded him.

"Well, well, Palmer, you are rather late in t