you to become his wife. Why, it is in everybody's mouth that she has been
trying for months to make a match between him and Kitty McKenzie," he
concluded, thoughtfully.

"Kitty McKenzie is far too good a girl for such a fate; but I am afraid
she is really quite fond of him," said Mona, with a regretful sigh. "But
shall you come up to Forty-ninth street this afternoon, Ray?"

"I suppose I must, or people will talk," he replied, dejectedly. "If
my father is determined to marry the woman it will create gossip, I
suppose, if I appear to discountenance it; so all that remains for me
to do is to put the best possible face upon the matter and treat my
future step-mother with becoming deference."

"What do you suppose she will say when she learns the truth about us?"
Mona inquired, with an amused smile. "I imagine there will be something
of a breeze about my ears, for she informed me this morning that I need
have no hopes or aspirations regarding you upon the strength of any
attention that you bestowed upon me at Hazeldean, for--you were already
engaged," and a little ripple of merry laughter concluded the sentence.

Ray smiled, delighted to see the sunshine upon his dear one's face, and
to hear that musical sound. Yet he remarked, with some sternness:

"I think she is overstepping her jurisdiction to meddle in your affairs
to such an extent. But here comes our lunch," he interposed, as the
waiter appeared, bearing a well laden tray of tempting viands.

"Then let us drop all unpleasant topics, and give ourselves up to the
enjoyment of it," said Mona, looking up brightly. "A light heart and a