embolden me to crave another favor. May I have your permission to call
upon you occasionally?"

"I am only very happy to grant it; pray consider yourself welcome at
any time," Mona answered, cordially, but dropping her eyes beneath his
earnest look.

"Thank you; I shall gladly avail myself of your kindness," the young man
gratefully responded; and then, with a lingering clasp of the hand, he
bade her good-night and ran lightly down the steps.

With a rapidly beating heart and throbbing pulses, Mona softly let
herself in with a latch-key, turned out the hall gas, which had been left
burning dimly for her, and started to mount the stairs, when she espied
a gleam of light shining beneath the library door.

"Why! Uncle Walter has not gone to bed yet! Can it be that he is sitting
up for me?" she murmured. "I will go and tell him that I have come in,
and get my good-night kiss."

She turned back and went quietly down the hall, and tapped lightly at the
door. Receiving no response, she opened it, and passed into the room.

The gas was burning brightly, and Mr. Dinsmore was sitting before his
desk, but reclining in his chair, his head thrown back against the soft,
bright head-rest, the work of Mona's skillful fingers.

"He has fallen asleep," said the fair girl, as she went to his side and
laid her hand gently upon his shoulder.