to have
the fragment sent to me."

"And Ray Palmer had it and had kept it all that time!" interposed Mrs.
Montague, with a frown. "I hunted everywhere for it."

"He sent it to me by the next mail, and I began my hunt for the dress,
although at that time I did not suspect that it belonged to you," Mona
continued. Then she explained how, while assisting the chambermaid
about her work, she had found the garment hanging in a wardrobe, and
proved by fitting the fragment to the rent that her suspicions were
correct.

"You will also remember," she added, "how you chided me a little later
for going out without consulting you. I had been out to seek a detective
to tell him what I had discovered."

"Ha! that was how you made Mr. Rider's acquaintance?" interrupted Mrs.
Montague, with a start.

"Yes. He told me he was in St. Louis on business connected with that very
case. He was very much elated after hearing my story, but when he went to
make his arrest he found that Mrs. Walton and her so-called son had both
disappeared. I was, of course, very much disappointed, but I never
dreamed--"

"That I and my hopeful nephew were the accomplished sharpers,"
supplemented Mrs. Montague, with a bitter laugh. "Well, Mona Dinsmore,
you have been very keen. I will give you credit for that--you have beaten
me; I confess that you have utterly defeated me, and your mother is amply
avenged through you. No doubt, you are very triumphant over my downfall,"
she concluded, acrimoniously.

"Indeed, I am not," Mona returned, with a sigh. "I do not think I could
triumph in the downfall of any one, and though I am filled with horror
over what you have told me, I am very sorry for you."

"Sorry for me!" repeated the woman, with skeptical contempt.

"Yes, I am truly sorry for you, and for any one who has fallen so low,
for I am sure you must have seasons of suffering and remorse that are
very hard to bear, while as for avenging my mother, I never had such a
thought; I do not believe she would wish me to entertain any such spirit.
I intend to assert my rights, as my father's daughter, but not with any
desire for revenge."

Mona's remarks were here suddenly cut short by the return of the four
gentlemen, and Mrs. Montague eagerly and searchingly scanned their faces
as they gravely resumed their seats.

CHAPTER XXII.

MRS. MONTAGUE'S ANNUITY.

Mona, too, regarded the lawyers with some anxiety, for she felt extremely
sensitive about havi