The grass had become quite green, the trees were putting forth their
leaves, and the weather was very warm for the time of the year.

On the morning after the high-tea and the announcement of the engagement,
Mrs. Montague sought Mona and informed her that a party of friends had
arranged for a pleasure trip through the South and down the Mississippi,
and asked her if she would accompany her, since Louis had business to
attend to, and could not act as her escort.

Mona did not exactly like to go, but there was really no good reason why
she should refuse; the rush of sewing was nearly over, and if she were
left behind, she would have to be idle the greater portion of the time;
besides, she had worked very steadily, and she knew that she needed rest
and relaxation.

She inquired how long Mrs. Montague intended to be gone, and the lady
replied that she expected to return within two weeks.

"Of course you can please yourself about the matter, Ruth," she remarked.
"I suppose I could take Mary, but she is not companionable--she would not
appreciate the journey, and I really wish you would go. I should regard
it as quite a favor," the woman concluded, appealingly.

If Mona had been more observing, she might have seen that she was being
closely watched, and that her answer was anxiously awaited. Mona
considered the subject a few moments before replying. Her greatest
objection was leaving Ray for so long--two weeks would seem almost
interminable without seeing him.

But, on the other hand, perhaps while in such close companionship with