street this afternoon, Ray?"

"I suppose I must, or people will talk," he replied, dejectedly. "If
my father is determined to marry the woman it will create gossip, I
suppose, if I appear to discountenance it; so all that remains for me
to do is to put the best possible face upon the matter and treat my
future step-mother with becoming deference."

"What do you suppose she will say when she learns the truth about us?"
Mona inquired, with an amused smile. "I imagine there will be something
of a breeze about my ears, for she informed me this morning that I need
have no hopes or aspirations regarding you upon the strength of any
attention that you bestowed upon me at Hazeldean, for--you were already
engaged," and a little ripple of merry laughter concluded the sentence.

Ray smiled, delighted to see the sunshine upon his dear one's face, and
to hear that musical sound. Yet he remarked, with some sternness:

"I think she is overstepping her jurisdiction to meddle in your affairs
to such an extent. But here comes our lunch," he interposed, as the
waiter appeared, bearing a well laden tray of tempting viands.

"Then let us drop all unpleasant topics, and give ourselves up to the
enjoyment of it," said Mona, looking up brightly. "A light heart and a
mind at ease greatly aid digestion, you know."

She would not allow him to refer to anything of a disagreeable nature
after that, but strove, in her bright, sweet way, to banish the cloud
from his face, and succeeded so well that before their meal was ended
they had both apparently forgotten Louis Hamblin and his aunt, and the
unsuitable engagement about to be announced, and were only conscious
that they were there together, and all in all to each other.

But time was flying, and Mona knew that she must get back to assist Mrs.
Montague with her toilet for the high-tea.

"It was very nice of you, Ray, to bring me here for this delightful
lunch," she said, as they arose from the table, with a regretful sigh
that they must separate, and began to draw on her gloves.

"We shall take all our lunches together before long, I hope, my darling,"
he whispered, fondly; "half the stipulated time is gone, Mona, and I
shall certainly claim you at the end of another six weeks."

Mona flushed, but she did not reply, and her heart grew heavy, for she
knew she should not be willing to become Ray's wife until she could prove
the circumstances of her birth.

She longed to tell him how she f