"A telegram, marm. A messenger brought it just as I was coming up
stairs," the girl replied.

Her mistress tore it open and devoured its contents with one sweeping
glance.

Instantly her face flushed a deep crimson, and she crushed the message
hastily within her hand, while she began to drink her coffee, but seemed
to become deeply absorbed in her own thoughts while doing so.

A few moments later she arose and dressed herself rapidly, but all the
time appeared preoccupied and troubled about something.

"I believe I shall let Louis marry her if he wants to. I could settle the
hundred thousand on him, and stipulate that they go West, or somewhere
out of the State, to live. I believe I'll do it," she murmured once,
while thus engaged, "that is, if--"

She did not finish the sentence, but, with a resolute step and air, went
down to her breakfast.

She had no appetite, however, and after dallying at the table for half an
hour or so, she went up stairs again and entered the sewing-room.

She found Mona busy at work upon the tea-gown--a beautiful robe of
old-rose cashmere, made up with a lighter shade of heavy armure silk.

"Can you finish it in season?" she inquired.

"Oh, yes, easily. I have about an hour's more work to do upon it," the