in society. You received Mr. Palmer's attentions as a matter of
course--as if you considered yourself his equal."

"I do so consider myself," Mona returned, with quiet dignity, but with a
dangerous sparkle in her usually mild eyes. The woman's arrogance was
becoming unbearable, even to her sweet spirit.

"Really!" was the sarcastic rejoinder. "Your vanity, Ruth, would be
odious if it were not so ridiculous. But you should not allow your
complacency, over a merely pretty face, to lead you into such presumption
as you have been guilty of to-night. I blame myself somewhat for what has
occurred; if I had not accorded you permission to witness the dancing,
you would not have been thrown into such temptation; but I did not dream
that you would force yourself upon the notice of any of Mr. Wellington's
guests."

"You are accusing me very unjustly, Mrs. Montague," Mona began, with
blazing eyes, but the woman cut her short.

"I consider myself a competent judge in such matters," she insolently
asserted. "At all events, however, you are to receive no more attentions
from Mr. Palmer. He--is the son of the gentleman whom I expect to marry,
and I have no intention of allowing my seamstress to angle for my future
step-son."

"Madame--" began Mona, indignantly.

"We will not discuss the matter further," Mrs. Montague interposed,
imperiously; "you can go now, but be sure to have my traveling dress
ready by nine o'clock in the morning."