upon her return to Mrs. Montague's she gave the pieces of the other to
Mary, telling her she believed she did not care to keep them--they had
better be burned as her mistress had desired.

This relieved her mind, for she did not wish the girl to practice any
deception for her sake, and she feared that Mrs. Montague might inquire
if her orders had been obeyed.

The following day she took the fresh portrait with her when she went out,
and proceeded directly to the office of Corbin & Russel, who had
advertised for information regarding Mona Forester or her heirs.

A gentlemanly clerk came forward as she entered, and politely inquired
her business.

She asked to see a member of the firm, and at the same time produced the
slip which she had cut from the paper.

The clerk's face lighted as he saw it, and his manner at once betrayed
deep interest in the matter.

"Ah, yes," he said, affably; "please walk this way. Mr. Corbin is in and
will be glad to see you."

He led the way to a private office, and, throwing open the door,
respectfully remarked to some one within:

"A lady to see you, sir, about the Forester business." Then turning to
Mona, he added: "This is Mr. Corbin, miss."