She could not feel at home with these fine ladies, although Lady Charteris was kind to her and Valentine laid herself out to please; not even when Valentine, pitying her shy, timid manner and evident constraint, took her out into the garden and tried hard to win her confidence.

Dora's heart seemed to close against the beautiful, brilliant lady who knew her husband and all his friends so well.

A fierce, hot breath of jealousy stirred the simple nature.

Ronald talked to Miss Charteris of things all unknown to her; they seemed to have the same thoughts and feelings, while she was outside the charmed circle, and could never enter it.

She watched the growing admiration on Ronald's face when Valentine played and sang, and her restless heart grew weary and faint.