Her father lives at the lodge; he is Lord Earle's lodge keeper, and she knows nothing of the world or its ways.

She has never been taught or trained, though her voice is like sweet music, and her laugh like the chime of silver bells.

She is like a bright April day, smiles and tears, sunshine and rain--so near together that I never know whether I love her best weeping or laughing." He paused, but Valentine did not speak; her hand still shaded her face.
"I loved her very much," said Ronald, "and I told her so.

I asked her to be my wife, and she promised.

When my father came home from Greenoke I asked his consent, and he laughed at me.