ents before replying. Her greatest
objection was leaving Ray for so long--two weeks would seem almost
interminable without seeing him.

But, on the other hand, perhaps while in such close companionship with
Mrs. Montague as there would have to be on such a journey, something
might be dropped about her former life which would enlighten her
regarding what she was so eager to ascertain. It would be a delightful
trip, too, and Mona knew that she should enjoy seeing the country, as she
had never been South.

"When do you start?" she inquired, before committing herself.

"I want to get off in the evening express," Mrs. Montague returned,
watching every expression of the young girl's face.

"In _this_ evening's express?" asked Mona, in surprise.

"Yes. It is short notice, I know," the woman said, smiling; "but I,
myself, only knew of the plan yesterday, and, as you know, I was too busy
to make any arrangements for it. Will you go, Ruth? We have nothing to do
but to pack our trunks."

"I suppose there is no reason why I should not," the young girl returned,
musingly, while she told herself that she could send a note to Ray,
informing him of her intention. She was not quite sure that he would
approve of it, and she wished that she could have known of it the
previous day, so that she could have consulted him.

"That is nice of you," Mrs. Montague quickly responded, and assuming that
her remark was intended as an assent to the trip; "and now we must at
once go about our preparations. How long will it take you to pack?"

"Not long," Mona answered; "I have only my dresses to fold, and my toilet
articles to gather up. I have not really unpacked since I came here," she
said, smiling; "for I have needed so few things."

"Well, then, get yourself ready; then you may come to help me," Mrs.
Montague said, as she arose to go to her own room, and breathing a sigh
of relief that this vital point had been gained with so little trouble.

Mona was as expeditious as possible, but, somehow, now that she had given
her consent to go, her heart grew unaccountably heavy, and she began to
feel a deep aversion to leaving New York.

She wrote a hasty note to Ray, telling him of the intended journey, and
how she regretted not being able to consult him, but could not, under the
circumstances. She also wrote, as she did not know the route they were to
take, she could not tell him where to address her, but would write to him
again when she learn