“How very strange, my darling,” he exclaimed, when she concluded; “how nicely your discovery fits in with mine, and now every difficulty will be smoothed out of your way, only,” with an arch glance, “I am almost afraid that I shall be accused of being a fortune-hunter when it becomes known what a wealthy heiress I have won.”

Mona smiled at his remark, but she was very glad that she was not to go to him empty-handed.

“And, dear,” Ray continued, more gravely, “I am going to claim my wife immediately, for, in spite of the great wealth which will soon be yours, you are a homeless little body, and I feel that you ought to be under my protection.”

“Ah, Ray, it will be very nice to have a home of our own,” Mona breathed, as she slipped her hand confidingly into his, and then they began to plan for it as they drove down town.

Arriving at the house of Mr. Graves, they were fortunate in finding both that gentleman and his wife at home, and Mona received a most cordial welcome, while the kind-hearted lawyer became almost jubilant upon learning all the facts regarding her parentage and how comparatively easy it would now be to prove it.

It was arranged that Mona and Mr. Graves should meet Ray and Mr. Corbin at the office of the latter on the next morning, when they would all thoroughly discuss these matters and decide upon what course to pursue in relation to them.

This plan was carried out; the certificate and contents of the royal mirror were carefully examined, and then the two lawyers proceeded to lay out their course of action, which was to be swift and sure.

The third day after Mona’s arrival in New York, Ray went with her to Mrs. Montague’s house to take away the remainder of her wardrobe and some keepsakes which had been saved from her old home.

Mary opened the door in answer to their ring, and her face lighted with pleasure the instant she caught sight of Mona, although it was evident from her greeting that Mrs. Montague had not told her servants the story of the elopement.

“Is Mrs. Montague in?” Mona asked, after she had returned the girl’s greeting.

“No, miss, she went out as soon as she had her breakfast, and said she wouldn’t be home until after lunch,” was the reply.

Mona looked thoughtful.  She did not exactly like to enter the house and remove her things during her absence, and yet it would be a relief not to be obliged to meet her.

Ray saw her hesitation, and understood it, but he had no scruples regarding the matter.

“It is perhaps better so,” he said, in a low tone; “you will escape an unpleasant interview, and since she is not here to annoy or ill-use you, I will take the carriage and go to attend to a little matter, while you are packing.  I will return for you in the course of an hour if that will give you time.”

“Yes, that will be ample time, and I will be ready when you call,” Mona responded.