A day or two after this meeting with her old friend, and just as she was returning from her usual walk, Mona encountered a young man as she was about to mount the steps leading into Mrs. Montague's residence.
He was dressed in the height of fashion, and might have been regarded as fairly good-looking if he had not been so conceited and self-conscious.
The young girl did not bestow more than a passing glance upon him, supposing him to be some stranger whom she might never meet again.
She ran lightly up the steps, when, what was her surprise to find him following her, and, just as she was on the point of ringing for admittance, he stayed her hand, by remarking, with excessive politeness:
"I have a latch-key, miss—pray allow me to admit you."
Of course, Mona knew then that this young exquisite must be the nephew of
Mrs. Montague, of whom Mary had told her—Mr. Louis Hamblin.
She observed him more closely as she thanked him, and saw that he was apparently about twenty-five years of age, with light-brown hair, blue eyes, and somewhat irregular, yet not unpleasant, features. He was well formed, rather tall, and carried himself with ease, though somewhat proudly.
He was evidently impressed with Mona's appearance, as his look of admiration plainly indicated.
He appeared to regard her as some visitor to see his aunt, for his manner was both respectful and gentlemanly as he opened the door, and then stood aside to allow her to pass in.
Mona bowed in acknowledgment of this courtesy, and, entering, passed directly through the hall and up stairs, greatly to the young man's astonishment.