indow, where the
roses came nodding in.

"Stay here and read," said lady Charteris, with delicate tact. "I am
going to write my letters."

Valentine lay still, looking at the summer beauty outside. No one knew
of the tears that gathered slowly in those proud eyes; no one knew of
the passionate weeping that could not be stilled.

When Lady Charteris returned in two hours, Valentine had regained her
calm, and there was no trace of tears in the smiles which welcomed her.
Proudly and calmly she bore the great disappointment of her life. She
was no tragedy queen; she never said to herself that her life was
blighted or useless or burdensome. But she did say that she would
never marry until she found some one with Ronald's simple chivalry, his
loyal, true nature, and without the weakness which had caused and would
cause so much suffering.

Chapter VIII

Lady Earle's boudoir was always considered one of the prettiest rooms
at Earlescourt. Few, but rare, pictures adorned its walls. The long
French windows opened on to the prettiest part of the gardens, where a
large fountain rippled merrily in the sunshine. Groups of flowers in
rare and costly vases perfumed the room.

Lord Earle had but drawn a pretty lounging chair to the window, and sat
there, looking happier than he had looked for months. Lady Earle went
on with her task of arranging some delicate leaves and blossoms ready
for sketching.

"Ronald," said his father, "I have been waiting here some time. Have
you been out?"

"I have been in the park with Miss Charteris," replied Ronald.

Lord Earle smiled again, evidently well pleased to hear that
intelligence.

"A pleasant and sensible method of spending your time," he continued;
"and, strange to say, it is on that very subject I wish to speak to
you. Your attentions to Miss Charteris--"

"My attentions!" cried Ronald. "You are mistaken. I have never paid
any."

"You need have no fear this time," said Lord Earle. "Your mother tells
me of the numerous comments made last evening on your long tete-a-tete
in the conservatory. I know some of your secrets. There can be no
doubt that Miss Charteris has a great regard for you. I sent for you
to say that, far from my again offering any opposition to your
marriage, the dearest wish of my heart will be gratified when I call
Valentine Charteris my daughter."

He paused for a reply, but none came. Ronald's face had grown
strangely pale.

"We never named