young girl answered.

"That is well, for I want you to go down town to do some shopping for me.
I cannot attend to it, as I wish to keep fresh for my high-tea this
afternoon," Mrs. Montague returned, flushing slightly. Then she added:
"I will make out a list of what I need, and you may go as soon as the
dress is done."

Mona was pleased with the commission, for the morning was lovely, and
she had felt unusually weak and weary ever since rising. The close
application to which she had been subjected since her return from
Hazeldean--for she had been hurried with spring sewing--had worn upon
her.

A feeling of discouragement had also taken possession of her, for she
seemed no nearer learning the truth about her mother than when she had
first come there.

She was confident that Mrs. Montague had been her father's second wife,
and she fully believed that she must have in her possession papers,
letters, or some other documents that would reveal all that she wished
to know regarding Richmond Montague's first marriage, and give her some
information regarding the great sorrow that had so blighted the life of
his beautiful young wife.

She had promised that she would give herself to Ray at the end of three
months; he still held her to that promise, and six weeks of the time had
already elapsed, and she seemed to be no nearer the attainment of her
desires than when she had made it.