Kitty McKenzie, who was
radiant in pink silk and white tulle.

"No, only as a spectator," she replied, with an answering smile. "Mr.
Wellington has kindly offered me a seat in the balcony, where I shall
enjoy watching the merrymakers."

"But do you not _like_ to dance yourself?" questioned the girl.

"Oh, yes, indeed. I used to enjoy it very much," Mona replied, with a
little sigh.

"Then I think it is a great pity that you cannot join us to-night,"
returned Miss Kitty, regretfully, for she had caught the sigh; "only,"
she added, with sudden thought, "being in mourning, perhaps you would
rather not."

"No, I should not care to dance to-night," Mona returned, and then she
became conscious that a familiar form was approaching the spot where they
stood.

It was not an easy matter for her to keep back her color as Ray drew
near, and try to appear as if she had never seen him before. She knew
that he was choosing this opportunity to be formally introduced to her.

But the voluble Miss McKenzie saluted him in her frank outspoken manner.

"Oh, Mr. Palmer," she cried, "are not the rooms lovely?--the flowers, the
lights, indeed _all_ the decorations?"

"They are, truly, Miss McKenzie; and," he added, with a merry smile, as
he glanced at her bright face and figure, and then turned his gaze upon
Mona, "there are some other lovely adornments about the rooms, besides
those so skillfully used by the professional decorator."

"Thank you--of course that was intended as a compliment to ourselves,"
the quick-witted little lady returned, as she dropped him a coquettish
courtesy; "and," turning to Mona, "perhaps you would like an introduction
to my friend. Miss Richards, allow me to present you to Mr. Palmer."

Ray bowed low over the white hand which Mona mechanically offered him,
and which he clasped in a way to send a thrill leaping along her nerves
that made the violets upon her bosom quiver, as if a breath of wind had
swept over them.

She barely had time to acknowledge the presentation, however, when an icy
voice behind her remarked:

"Miss Richards, Mr. Wellington is looking for you to conduct you to your
seat in the balcony."

Turning, Mona saw Mrs. Montague regarding her with a look of cold
displeasure, and she knew that she must have witnessed her introduction
to Ray, and disapproved of it.

But she was secretly glad that she had been so near, for now she could
feel free to recognize her lover whenever they met,