There was no romance left in her life, but yet was she without bitterness.

She had known suffering and faced it unblanching.

The only mark it had left upon her was that air of womanly knowledge that clothed her like a garment even in her lightest moods.

Of a quick understanding and yet quicker sympathy, she had learned to hold her emotions in check, and the natural gaiety of her hid much that was too sacred to be carelessly displayed.

She had a ready sense of humour that had buoyed her up through many a storm, and the brave heart behind it never flinched from disaster.