Montague," she at last remarked, with a bitter inflection.

A peculiar smile flitted over Louis Hamblin's lips at this remark. But he
quickly repressed it, and replied:

"So I heard and thought at one time; but he was deeply smitten with Ruth
the night of the Hazeldean ball, and never left her side after
refreshments; they sat in the balcony, half concealed by the draperies,
until after one o'clock."

"You don't mean it!" Mrs. Montague exclaimed, with a start and frown.
"Then the girl is more artful than I thought; but, on the whole, I'm not
sure but that I should prefer to have Ray Palmer marry Ruth Richards
rather than Mona Montague--it might be better for me in the end. I wonder
where she is. I am almost sorry--"

She broke off suddenly, but added, after a moment:

"I don't know, Louis--I am somewhat perplexed. If, as you say, Ray Palmer
is so deeply smitten with Ruth he must have gotten over his penchant for
the other girl. I will think over your proposition, and tell you my
conclusion later."

An expression of triumph swept over Louis Hamblin's face, but quickly
assuming a grateful look, he remarked:

"Thank you, Aunt Margie--if you'll bring that about I'll be your loyal
slave for life."

Mrs. Montague's lips curled slightly at his extravagant language, but she