Lady Earle was too wise to make any comments; she never asked her son if he liked Valentine or what he thought of her.
"I am afraid you are tired," she said, with a charming smile; "thank you for helping to amuse my friends." When Ronald thought over what he had done, his share seemed very small; still his mother was pleased, and he went to rest resolved that on the morrow he would be doubly attentive to Miss Charteris.
Three days passed, and Ronald had grown quite at ease with Valentine.
They read and disputed over the same books; Ronald brought out his large folio of drawings, and Valentine wondered at his skill.

He bent over her, explaining the sketches, laughing and talking gayly, as though there was no dark background to his life.
"You are an accomplished artist," said Miss Charteris, "you must have given much time to study." "I am fond of it," said Ronald; "if fate had not made me an only son, I should have chosen painting as my profession." In after years these words came back to them as a sad prophecy.
Ronald liked Miss Charteris.

Apart from her grand beauty, she had the charm, too, of a kindly heart and an affectionate nature.

He saw how much Lady Earle loved her, and resolved to tell Valentine all about Dora, and ask her to try to influence his mother.

With that aim and end in view, he talked continually to the young lady; he accompanied her in all her walks and drives, and they sang and sketched together.
Ronald, knowing himself so safely bound to Dora, forgot in what light his conduct must appear to others.