"Ah! I have never read it. What do you think of it?"
"It is quite entertaining," was the brief, cold reply.
"Pray, do not be so cold and proud—so exceedingly laconic," the young man said, with a smile, which was intended to be persuasive.
Instantly the young girl arose again, stately and frigid as an iceberg.
She attempted to pass him and go to her own room, but he threw out his hand, seized her arm, and stopped her.
"Please do not go!" he urged, in an imploring tone. "I have something which I want very much to say to you."
Mona's blood began to boil, and her eyes flashed dangerously at his presumption in daring to touch her.
She was too proud to struggle with him, and she could not shake off his hold upon her arm.
"Release me, Mr. Hamblin!" she said, in ominously quiet tones.
"Nay, do not treat me so!" he pleaded. "Be kind to me for once, and let me open my heart to you."