"Yes, she arrived this morning," said his father.
"She is well, I suppose?" Ray remarked, feeling that he must make some courteous inquiry regarding his stepmother-elect.
"Yes, physically; but that scapegrace of a nephew has been giving her considerable trouble," Mr. Palmer observed.
"Trouble?" repeated his son.
"Yes, he eloped with a girl from New Orleans. They went on board a steamer bound for Havana, registered as man and wife, and that is the last she has heard of him, while she was obliged to return to New York alone," explained Mr. Palmer, wondering how he was going to introduce the subject of his approaching marriage.
"Is that possible? Who was the girl?" exclaimed Ray, astonished and utterly unsuspicious of the blow awaiting his fond heart.
"Mrs. Montague's seamstress—Ruth Richards."
CHAPTER XVI.
MONA CALLS ON MRS. MONTAGUE.
Mr. Palmer's unexpected announcement fairly stunned Ray for a moment. His heart gave a startled bound, and then sank like a lump of lead in his bosom, while a deadly faintness oppressed him.