He replaced the box and letters in the secret drawer of the mirror, also
the envelope which contained what he had written, after which he
carefully closed it, and returned the royal relic to the box in his desk.

"There! everything is as safe as if it were buried in Mona's grave--no
one would ever think of looking for that history in such a place, and the
secret will never be disclosed until I see fit to reveal it."

He had scarcely completed these arrangements when Mona re-entered the
room, her face bright and smiling, a lovely flush on her cheeks, a
brilliant light in her liquid brown eyes.

"Well, my pet, you look pretty enough to kiss," exclaimed Mr. Dinsmore,
assuming a lightness of manner which he was far from feeling. "Have you
had a pleasant call?"

"Indeed I have, Uncle Walter, and I have also had an invitation to attend
the opera to-night," Mona replied, with increasing color.

"Ah! then I imagine that Miss Susie did not come alone, eh?" and Mr.
Dinsmore smiled roguishly.

"No; Mr. Palmer was with her; and just as they were at the door, he
discovered that he had forgotten his cards, so he just penciled his name
on the back of Susie's; but I did not see it, and of course did not know
he was here until I went into the drawing-room," the young girl
explained.

"Palmer! Ray Palmer, the son of Amos Palmer, the diamond merchant?"