She had become very fond of the gentle seamstress, and
would have considered no favor too great to be conferred upon her.
That same afternoon, when Mona went out for her walk, she took the
mutilated picture with her.
She made her way directly to the rooms of a first-class photographer, and
asked if the portrait could be copied.
Yes, she was assured; there would be no difficulty about getting as good
a picture as the original, only it would have to be all hand work.
Mona said she would give the order if it could be done immediately, and,
upon being told she could have the copy in three days, she said she would
call for it at the end of that time.
She did so, and found a perfect reproduction of her mother's face, and
upon her return to Mrs. Montague's she gave the pieces of the other to
Mary, telling her she believed she did not care to keep them--they had
better be burned as her mistress had desired.
This relieved her mind, for she did not wish the girl to practice any
deception for her sake, and she feared that Mrs. Montague might inquire
if her orders had been obeyed.
The following day she took the fresh portrait with her when she went out,
and proceeded directly to the office of Corbin & Russel, who had
advertised for information regarding Mona Forester or her heirs.
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