h street once more, for I have a
good many things there, and shall have to attend to their removal
myself," Mona returned, but looking as if she did not anticipate much
pleasure from the meeting with Mrs. Montague.

"Well, then, if you must go there, I will accompany you," Ray said,
resolutely. "I will never trust you alone with that woman again. And now
I have some good news to relate to you."

He told her then of his discovery of the marriage certificate, and what
he had done with it, after which she gave him a graphic account of the
discoveries which she had made in the secret drawer of the royal mirror.

"How very strange, my darling," he exclaimed, when she concluded; "how
nicely your discovery fits in with mine, and now every difficulty will be
smoothed out of your way, only," with an arch glance, "I am almost afraid
that I shall be accused of being a fortune-hunter when it becomes known
what a wealthy heiress I have won."

Mona smiled at his remark, but she was very glad that she was not to go
to him empty-handed.

"And, dear," Ray continued, more gravely, "I am going to claim my wife
immediately, for, in spite of the great wealth which will soon be yours,
you are a homeless little body, and I feel that you ought to be under my
protection."

"Ah, Ray, it will be very nice to have a home of our own," Mona breathed,
as she slipped her hand confidingly into his, and then they began to plan
for it as they drove down town.

Arriving at the house of Mr. Graves, they were fortunate in finding both
that gentleman and his wife at home, and Mona received a most cordial
welcome, while the kind-hearted lawyer became almost jubilant upon
learning all the facts regarding her parentage and how comparatively easy
it would now be to prove it.

It was arranged that Mona and Mr. Graves should meet Ray and Mr. Corbin
at the office of the latter on the next morning, when they would all
thoroughly discuss these matters and decide upon what course to pursue
in relation to them.

This plan was carried out; the certificate and contents of the royal
mirror were carefully examined, and then the two lawyers proceeded to lay
out their course of action, which was to be swift and sure.

The third day after Mona's arrival in New York, Ray went with her to Mrs.
Montague's house to take away the remainder of her wardrobe and some
keepsakes which had been saved from her old home.

Mary opened the door in answer to their ring, and her