est-witted thief I ever heard of," he muttered, moodily,
when the case was dismissed, "but if I could only get track of some of
the Palmer diamonds there might be some hope for me even now, for I
firmly believe that the same woman is at the bottom of all three thefts."

He would not take anything from Mr. Cutler for what he had done or tried
to do, although the gentleman offered to remunerate him handsomely for
his labor.

"I've earned nothing, for I've accomplished nothing," he said,
dejectedly. "I feel, rather, as if I ought to pay your expenses on
from the West, for it's been only a wild-goose chase."

"I had other business, aside from this, which called me to New York, so
don't feel down at the mouth about the trip," Mr. Cutler kindly replied.
"I am going to remain in the city for a few weeks, then I go to Havana to
meet my sister, who has been spending the winter in Cuba for her health."

The same week Mrs. Vanderheck appeared at a select ball, wearing more
diamonds than any one had ever before seen upon her at once; but after
that one brilliant appearance it was remarked that she was becoming more
subdued in her tastes, for she was never again seen in New York with such
an expensive display of gems.

CHAPTER II.

A STORMY INTERVIEW.

After their return from Hazeldean, Mrs. Montague seemed to forget her
spite against Mona. Indeed, she was even kinder than she had ever been.
Mona quietly resumed her usual duties, and was so faithful and obliging
that the woman apparently regretted her harshness on the night of the
ball, and was very considerate in her requirements, and verified what
Mary, the waitress, had once said, that she was a kind mistress if she
wasn't crossed.

On the morning after their arrival in New York, Mona wrote a note to Ray,
related something of what had occurred, and suggested that it might be as
well not to antagonize Mrs. Montague further by being seen together while
she remained in her employ. She told him where she would attend church
the following Sabbath, and asked him to meet her so that they could talk
over some plan by which they might see each other from time to time
without exciting suspicion regarding their relations.

Mr. Amos Palmer called by appointment upon Mrs. Montague on Wednesday
evening, following the return from Hazeldean, when he formally proposed,
and was accepted.

When, on Thursday morning, the triumphant widow announced the fact to her
nephew, he flew