questioned Mr. Dinsmore.

"Yes, I have met him a number of times during the past year, and at
Susie's birthday party last week he asked permission to call. May I go
to-night, Uncle Walter?" Mona asked, with downcast eyes.

"Who else is to be in the party?" gravely inquired her uncle.

"Susie, and Louis, her brother."

"Then I have no objection to your going also," said Mr. Dinsmore; then
he added, as he searched the beautiful face beside him: "I know that
Ray Palmer is an exceptionally fine young man, and any girl might feel
honored in receiving his attentions. Is he agreeable to you, Mona?"

A vivid scarlet suffused the maiden's face at this pointed question, and
the gentleman laughed out softly as he beheld it.

"Never mind, dear," he continued, lightly. "I am already answered, and
Mr. Ray Palmer has my best wishes for his future success and happiness.
There, run back now, and tell your callers that you will join their
party."

A shy, sweet smile wreathed Mona's lips as she again left the room.

But she was not gone, long--scarcely five minutes had elapsed before she
returned, and gliding to Mr. Dinsmore's side, she said, with quiet
resolution:

"Now, Uncle Walter, I want to hear the remainder of what you have to tell