She would watch Ronald as he worked at it, eager and enthusiastic; then, looking up and finding her dark eyes riveted upon him with so strange an expression, he would call her to see what progress he had made; and, never dreaming of the growing jealousy in Dora's heart, speak with an artist's delight of the peerless features.
Without any great or sudden change, day by day Dora grew more silent and reserved.

She was learning to hide her thoughts, to keep her little troubles in her own heart and ponder them.

The time was past when she would throw herself into Ronald's arms and weep out her sorrows there.
Ronald did not notice the change.

Home seemed very dull.

It was a great pleasure to leave the solitary little villa and sit in the brilliant salon of Lady Charteris's well-appointed home.