She took Ronald into her confidence, and confided to him her annoyance when one suitor after another was dismissed.
Ronald was not particularly vain.

Like most men, he had a pleasing consciousness of his own worth; but he could not help remembering his mother's assurance that Valentine cared for him.

Could it have been true?
Was there ever a time when that beautiful girl, so indifferent to all homage, cared for him?
Could there have been a time when the prize for which others sighed in vain was within his grasp and he slighted it?
He did not dwell upon these thoughts, but they would come into his mind.

It was seldom that a day passed without his calling at the pretty home where Lady Charteris always welcomed him kindly.

She was sorry for him.