Lady Earle had forgotten her fears; she believed that her son was learning to love Valentine, and her husband shared her belief.
All things just then were couleur de rose at Earlescourt.

Ronald looked and felt happy--he had great faith in Valentine's persuasive powers.
Days passed by rapidly; the time for the grand ball was drawing near.
Lady Earle half wondered when her son would speak of Miss Charteris, and Valentine wondered why he lingered near her, why oftentimes he was on the point of speaking, and then drew back.

She quite believed he cared for her, and she liked him in return, as much as she was capable of liking any one.
She was no tragedy queen, but a loving, affectionate girl, unable to reach the height of passionate love, or the depth of despair.

She was well disposed toward Ronald--Lady Earle spoke so much of him at Greenoke.

She knew too that a marriage with him would delight her mother.
Valentine's favorable impression of Ronald was deepened when she saw him.