I know her already by description." "I left my wife in the garden," said Ronald; "shall we join her there ?" They followed him into the pretty sunlit garden, where Valentine had seen the pale, sad face.
"My wife is timid," said Ronald, "always nervous with strangers." Dora was sitting under the shade of a large flowering tree, her hands folded, and her eyes riveted on the distant hills; there was something in her listless manner that touched both ladies more than any words could have done.

A deep flush crimsoned her face when Ronald and his guests stood before her.

She rose, not ungracefully; her eyelids drooped in their old shy manner.

As Ronald introduced his wife, something in the girl's wistful face went straight to Lady Charteris's heart.

She spoke not a word, but folded Dora in her arms and kissed her as her own mother might have done.
"You must learn to love us," said Valentine; "we are your husband's dearest friends." Poor Dora had no graceful words ready; her heart was full of gratitude, but she knew not how to express it.