Palmer," Mona returned, and
flushing at the memory of that conversation, which, however, she had been
too proud to repeat to her lover.
"Well, she may have expected to marry him, and I imagine that his own
mind was pretty well made up at that time," said Ray, gloomily, "but the
matter was not settled until after our return, as I said before, and the
engagement is to be formally announced this afternoon at the high-tea
given by Mrs. Montague."
Ah! this explained to Mona what had puzzled her just before leaving
home--why Mrs. Montague had once or twice appeared embarrassed during
their conversation, why she had abruptly paused in the midst of that last
sentence, and why, too, she had been so unusually particular about her
personal appearance for a home-reception.
She mentioned these circumstances to Ray, and asked, in conclusion, if he
were also invited to the high-tea.
"Yes; but, really, I am so heart-sick over the affair I feel as
if I cannot go. I am utterly at a loss to understand this strange
infatuation," he continued, with a heavy sigh. "My father, until this
meeting with Mrs. Montague, has been one of the most quiet and domestic
of men. He went occasionally into society, but never remained late at any
reception, and never bestowed especial attention upon any lady.
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