Some hours of every day were passed with Valentine; he never stopped to ask himself what impulse led him to seek her society; the calm repose of her fair presence contrasted so pleasantly with the petty troubles and small miseries of home.

When Miss Charteris rode out he accompanied her; he liked to meet her at parties and balls.

He would have thought a day sad and dark wherein he did not see her.
When the little ones reached their first birthday, Valentine, with her usual kind thought, purchased a grand assortment of toys, and drove over quite unexpectedly to the villa.

It was not a very cheerful scene which met her gaze.
Ronald was busily engaged in writing.

Dora, flushed and worn, was vainly trying to stop the cries of one child, while the other pulled at her dress.