about nine o'clock
Rhinebeck was a full mile away , and Mrs. Montague could easily have arranged to have Mona ride , for a carriage was sent every morning for the mail ; but it did not occur to her to do so , or if it did , she evidently did not care to put herself to that trouble . Mona , however , did not mind the walk -- indeed , on the whole , she was rather glad of the privilege of getting out by herself into the sunshine which was so in harmony with her own bright mood . Still she could not help feeling that it was rather inconsiderate of Mrs. Montague to require her to walk two miles simply to gratify a mere whim . It was about nine o'clock when she started out upon her errand , and as she ran down the steps and out upon the broad avenue , her bright eyes went glancing eagerly about , for Mona had secretly hoped that she might catch a glimpse of and perhaps even secure a few words with her lover . But Ray was nowhere visible , being just at that moment in the smoking-room with several other gentlemen . Mr. Palmer , the senior , however , was walking in the park , and evidently deeply absorbed in the consideration of some important matter , for his hands were clasped behind him , his head was bowed , and his eyes fixed upon the ground . But he glanced up as Mona passed him , and his eyes lighted as they fell upon her beautiful face .