Yet she honestly believed that, if she could talk to him, remind him of his first love for Dora, of her simplicity and many virtues, she might restore peace and harmony to her old friend's house.
She thought Ronald to blame.

He had voluntarily taken active duties upon himself, and to her clearly, rightly judging mind, there was no earthly reason why he should not fulfill them.

He would not feel hurt at her speaking, she felt sure, for he had voluntarily sought her aid years ago.

So Valentine waited day after day, hoping to find a chance for those few words she thought would do so much good; but, as no opportunity came, she resolved to make one.

Taking her little jeweled pencil, she wrote the following lines that were in after-time a death warrant: "Dear Mr.Earle,--I wish to speak to you particularly and privately.