She had nearly completed her purchases—­all but some lace, which that lady wished to add to the ravishing tea-gown which was to be worn that evening, and to get this she would have to pass Mr. Palmer’s jewelry store.

Her heart beat fast as she drew near it, for she had been hoping all the way down town that she might see Ray and have a few minutes’ chat with him.

She glanced in at the large show-window, as she went slowly by, and, fortunately, Ray was standing quite near, behind the counter, talking with a customer.

He caught sight of her instantly, but indicated it only by a quick flash of the eyes, and a grave bow, and quietly continued his conversation.

Mona knew, however, that having seen her, he would seek her at the earliest possible moment, and so slowly sauntered on, looking in at the different windows which she passed.

It was not long until she caught the sound of a quick step behind her, and the next moment a firm, strong hand clasped hers, while a pair of fond, true eyes looked the delight which her lover experienced at the unexpected meeting.

“My darling!—­I was thinking of you the very moment you passed, and wishing that I could see you.  I have something very important to tell you,” he said, eagerly, but his fine face clouded as he uttered these last words.

“It is something that troubles you, I am sure, Ray,” said Mona, who was quick to interpret his every expression.

“Yes, it is—­I am free to confess,” he admitted, then added:  “Come in here with me—­there will not be many people about at this hour—­where we can talk more freely, and I will tell you all about it.”

They were passing the Hoffman House at that moment, and the young man led the way inside the cafe.

They proceeded to a table in a quiet corner, where, behind some palms and tall ferns, they would not be likely to be observed, and then gave an order for a tempting lunch, the preparation of which would require some time.

While waiting for it, Ray confided his trouble to Mona.

“My father is really going to marry Mrs. Montague,” was the somewhat abrupt communication which he made with pale lips and troubled brow.

“I have known it for some time, but did not like to speak of it to you,” Mona quietly replied.

“You have known it for some time?” Ray exclaimed.  “For how long, pray?”

“Ever since we were at Hazeldean.”

“Impossible! for my father did not make his proposal until after our return to New York.”

“But she certainly told me the night of the ball, when she came up stairs to retire, that she expected to marry Mr. Palmer,” Mona returned, and flushing at the memory of that conversation, which, however, she had been too proud to repeat to her lover.

“Well, she may have expected to marry him, and I imagine that his own mind was pretty well made up at that time,” said Ray, gloomily, “but the matter was not settled until after our return, as I said before, and the engagement is to be formally announced this afternoon at the high-tea given by Mrs. Montague.”