On the morning after their arrival in New York, Mona wrote a note to Ray, related something of what had occurred, and suggested that it might be as well not to antagonize Mrs. Montague further by being seen together while she remained in her employ.  She told him where she would attend church the following Sabbath, and asked him to meet her so that they could talk over some plan by which they might see each other from time to time without exciting suspicion regarding their relations.

Mr. Amos Palmer called by appointment upon Mrs. Montague on Wednesday evening, following the return from Hazeldean, when he formally proposed, and was accepted.

When, on Thursday morning, the triumphant widow announced the fact to her nephew, he flew into a towering passion, and a bitter quarrel ensued.

“You have promised me that you would never marry,” he cried, angrily; “you have pledged your word that I should be your sole heir, and I swear that you shall not give me the go-by in any such shabby fashion.”

“Hush, Louis; you are very unreasonable,” said his aunt.  “I believe that it will be for your interest as well as mine that I marry Mr. Palmer, and because I simply change my name, it does not follow that you will not be my heir.  You know that I have no other relative, and I mean that you shall inherit my fortune.  If you will marry Kitty McKenzie immediately.  I will settle a hundred thousand upon you outright.”

“But I don’t like the idea of your marrying at all—­I vow I won’t stand it!” the young man reiterated, and ignoring the subject of his own marriage.  “I suppose you have reasons for wishing to change your name,” he added, with a sneer, “but you must not forget that I know something of your early history and subsequent experiences, and I have you somewhat in my power.”

“And you are no less in mine, young man,” his companion sternly retorted.  “It will not be well for you to make an enemy of me, Louis—­it will be far better for you to yield to my plans gracefully, for my mind is fully set on this marriage.  Can’t you understand that as the wife of a man in Mr. Palmer’s position, nothing that has ever been connected with my previous history will be liable to touch me.  Mrs. Richmond Montague,” with a sneering laugh, “will have vanished, or become a myth, and Mrs. Palmer will be unassailable by any enemies of the past.”

“Yes; I can fully understand that,” her nephew thoughtfully replied, “and perhaps—­Well, if I withdraw my objections, will you let me off from any supposed obligations to Kitty McKenzie?  Truly, Aunt Marg,” with unusual earnestness, “I don’t want to marry the girl, and I do want to marry some one else; give me the hundred thousand and let me choose my own wife, and we will cry quits.”

“Louis Hamblin, I believe you will drive me crazy!” cried Mrs. Montague, growing crimson with sudden anger, “What new freak has got into your head now?  Who is this some one else whom you wish to marry?”