"Dinsmore--Dinsmore," repeated his fair companion, with a puzzled expression; "it seems as if I have heard the name, and yet--I am quite sure that I have met no such person since my residence in New York. Let me see," she added, as if suddenly remembering something--"did I not read in the papers, a short time ago, of the death of the gentleman--he was quite a prominent citizen, was he not?" "Yes, and much respected; he died suddenly, leaving a large fortune. The reason I inquired if you knew him," Mr. Palmer explained, "was because he left a niece whose name is the same as yours, and I thought possibly you might be a relative of the family. Miss Mona Montague is the young lady's name." "Mona Montague?" repeated Mrs. Montague, burying her face for an instant in the bouquet she carried as if to inhale its perfume. "No, I think not--I have no relatives in New York except a nephew, who is the same as a son to me. We came to your city entire strangers to every one. But how old is this Miss Montague?" "About eighteen years of age, I believe. She was said to be a very beautiful girl, and every one supposed her to be Mr. Dinsmore's heiress; but it seems that he had a wife living, although he was supposed to be a widower--who claimed everything, and thus Miss Montague was rendered homeless and penniless. She has certainly disappeared from the circle in which she hitherto mingled." "How exceedingly unfortunate!" murmured Mr. Palmer's fair listener, with apparent sympathy. "Very," said the gentleman; "and as we--I feel deeply interested in her, I hoped, when I heard your name, that you might prove to be a relative, and could give me some information regarding her." "I should be most happy to oblige you, Mr. Palmer," Mrs. Montague sweetly returned, "but I have never met the young lady, and I know nothing about her present circumstances. Is she a connection of yours?" "No, madame--that is, not as yet," Mr. Palmer answered, with a slight twinge of embarrassment. "I knew Mr. Dinsmore, however, and it seems a very sad thing that his niece should be deprived of both home and fortune, as well as her only friend, especially when he was so fond of her and intended that she would inherit his property. I would give a great deal to know where she is; she would not long be without a home if I could find her." "Does the man want to marry the girl?" was Mrs. Montague's mental query, as she glanced keenly at her companion. "I begin to believe I should like to see this wonderful creature." "You say she is very beautiful?" she remarked, aloud. "So I have been told, and very lovely in character, also."