I knew that he was in Italy with his wife." "Ah," rejoined the countess, eagerly, "then perhaps you know all about his marriage?
Who was Mrs.Thorne?
Why did he quarrel with his father?
Do tell us, Miss Charteris." "Nay," said Valentine; "if Mrs.Thorne has any secrets, I shall not reveal them.

I must tell mamma they are in Florence.

We must call and see them." "I was fond of Mrs.Thorne once," said the countess, plaintively, "but really there is nothing in her." "There must be something both estimable and lovable," replied Valentine quickly, "or Mr.Thorne would never have married her." Prince di Borgesi smiled approval of the young lady's reply.
"You admire my picture, Miss Charteris ?" he asked.
"The more so because it is the work of an old friend," said Valentine; and again the prince admired the grace of her words.
"Any other woman in her place," he thought, "would have blushed and coquetted.

How charming she is!" From that moment Prince di Borgezi resolved to win Valentine if he could.
Lady Charteris was half pleased, half sorry, to hear that Ronald was in Florence.

No one deplored his rash, foolish marriage more than she did.