It was about nine o’clock when she started out upon her errand, and as she ran down the steps and out upon the broad avenue, her bright eyes went glancing eagerly about, for Mona had secretly hoped that she might catch a glimpse of and perhaps even secure a few words with her lover.

But Ray was nowhere visible, being just at that moment in the smoking-room with several other gentlemen.

Mr. Palmer, the senior, however, was walking in the park, and evidently deeply absorbed in the consideration of some important matter, for his hands were clasped behind him, his head was bowed, and his eyes fixed upon the ground.

But he glanced up as Mona passed him, and his eyes lighted as they fell upon her beautiful face.

He lifted his hat and bowed as courteously to her as he would have done to Mrs. Montague herself, and Mona’s heart instantly warmed toward him for his politeness as she returned his salute.

“She is the prettiest girl in the house if she is only a waiting-maid,” he muttered, as he turned for a second to look at the graceful figure after Mona had passed him.  “How finely she carries herself—­how elastic her step!”

Another pair of observing eyes had also caught sight of her by this time, and mental comments of a far different character were running through a younger brain.

The smoking-room at Hazeldean was in the third story of the south wing of the house, and overlooked the avenue and park, as well as a broad stretch of country beyond, and Ray Palmer, sitting beside one of the windows—­apparently listening to the conversation of his companions, but really thinking of his interview with Mona the previous evening—­espied his betrothed just as she was leaving the grounds of Hazeldean and turning into the main road.

He knocked the ashes from his cigar, took another whiff or two, then laid it down, and turned to his host, who was sitting near him.

“I believe I would like a canter across the country this bright morning, Mr. Wellington,” he remarked.  “May I beg the use of a horse and saddle for a couple of hours?”

“Certainly, Mr. Palmer—­whatever I have in the stable in the form of horses or vehicles is as the disposal of my guests,” was the courteous reply.  “It is a fine morning for a ride,” the gentleman added, “and perchance,” with an arch smile, “you may be able to find some bright-eyed maiden who would be glad to accompany you.”

Ray thanked him, and then hastened away to the stable to select his horse—­his companion he knew he would find later on.  In less than fifteen minutes from the time he had seen Mona leave the grounds he was cantering in the same direction; but she was a rapid walker, and he did not overtake her until she had nearly reached the village.

She caught the sound of a horse’s hoofs behind her, but did not like to look back to see who was approaching, and it was only when the equestrian was close beside her that she glanced up to find the fond, smiling eyes of her lover resting upon her.