The darky showed two rows of brilliant teeth as Ray slipped a silver dollar into his hand; then with a cheerful "Yes, sir—thank'ee, sir," and a low bow he disappeared as suddenly as he had come.
Mona was hungry, in spite of her assertion to the contrary, and she enjoyed the rich treat that Ray had so thoughtfully provided for her, while he was full of fun and gayety, and they had a merry time up there all by themselves.
When the dancers began to return, Ray quietly remarked:
"My darling, I am not going down to the company again; I feel guilty to have you sit moping here, while I am playing the gallant cavalier to other girls."
Mona laughed out softly, but gleefully, at this speech.
"I trust you will always be as conscientious and dutiful, my loyal knight," she roguishly retorted.
"You will never have cause to question my loyalty, my own," he whispered, with a look that brought a bright color into her cheeks.
"But I have not been moping," Mona resumed. "I have enjoyed being here and watching the dancers very much, and you know I could not join them even if my present position did not debar me," she tremulously concluded.
"True; I had not thought of that," the young man said, gravely, as his eye swept over her black dress.
"So, then, if you feel that your duty is below, do not hesitate about leaving me," Mona urged.