She was somewhat excited by the information, but removing the wrapper
from her picture, she arose and laid it before Mr. Corbin, remarking:

"This is a portrait of Mona Forester, and she was my mother."

Mr. Corbin took the crayon and studied the beautiful face intently for a
few moments; then turning his glance again upon his visitor, he said, in
a tone of conviction:

"There can be no doubt that you and the original of this picture are
closely united by ties of consanguinity, for your resemblance to her is
very striking. You spoke in the past tense, however, so I suppose the
lady is not living."

"No, sir; she died at the time of my birth," Mona answered, sadly.

"Ah! that was very unfortunate for you," Mr. Corbin remarked, in a tone
of sympathy. "You gave your name as Mona Montague, so, of course, Miss
Forester must have married a gentleman by that name. May I ask--ah--is
he living?"

"No, sir, he is not."

"Will you kindly give me his whole name?" Mr. Corbin now asked, while his
eyes had a gleam of intense interest within their dark depths.

"Richmond Montague."

Again the lawyer started, and a look of astonishment passed over his
features.