“Then my wife is to have no diamonds unless the stolen ones are found?” Ray responded, in a tone of laughing inquiry.

“I did not mean to imply that, my boy,” Mr. Palmer responded.  “I will present your wife with diamonds, and fine ones, too, when I am introduced to her.”

“Then I will give you three months in which to make your selection,” Ray retorted, with animation.

“Whew! you are hopeful, my son, or else you have had good news of your lady-love,” the elder gentleman exclaimed, with surprise.  “You are a sly dog, and I thought you seemed happier than usual, when you came to Hazeldean.  You must tell me more about it when you have time.  But three days will be time enough for my selections for your wife, and she shall have the stolen ones also, if they are ever recovered.”

Mr. Rider was the most disappointed one of the whole party, for he had been so sure of his game; while he had been doggedly persistent for over three years in trying to hunt down the tricky woman, who had imposed upon Justin Cutler, and it was a bitter pill for him to swallow, to discover, just as he believed himself to be on the verge of success, that he was only getting deeper into the mire.

“She is the keenest-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.