They were passing the Hoffman House at that moment, and the young man led the way inside the café.
They proceeded to a table in a quiet corner, where, behind some palms and tall ferns, they would not be likely to be observed, and then gave an order for a tempting lunch, the preparation of which would require some time.
While waiting for it, Ray confided his trouble to Mona.
"My father is really going to marry Mrs. Montague," was the somewhat abrupt communication which he made with pale lips and troubled brow.
"I have known it for some time, but did not like to speak of it to you,"
Mona quietly replied.
"You have known it for some time?" Ray exclaimed. "For how long, pray?"
"Ever since we were at Hazeldean."
"Impossible! for my father did not make his proposal until after our return to New York."
"But she certainly told me the night of the ball, when she came up stairs to retire, that she expected to marry Mr. 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."