She looked up surprised, but the expression was quickly succeeded by one of dismay when she saw Louis Hamblin advancing toward her.
She arose, regarding him with cold displeasure.
He bowed politely as he remarked:
"Do not rise. I simply came to get some letters that Aunt Margie wished me to mail for her."
Mona resumed her seat, greatly relieved at this assurance, and went on with her reading, while the young man took up his aunt's writing-pad, which lay upon the table, as if to search for the letters.
He took out a couple and slipped them into his pocket; then selecting a pen, began himself to write.
Mona felt very uncomfortable, sitting there alone with him, but she kept hoping that he would soon go out again, and so went on with her reading.
Presently, however, he laid down his pen, and, glancing across the table at her, asked:
"What book have you that is so interesting?"
"The Senator's Bride,'" Mona briefly responded.