No one knew of the tears that gathered slowly in those proud eyes; no one knew of the passionate weeping that could not be stilled.
When Lady Charteris returned in two hours, Valentine had regained her calm, and there was no trace of tears in the smiles which welcomed her.
Proudly and calmly she bore the great disappointment of her life.

She was no tragedy queen; she never said to herself that her life was blighted or useless or burdensome.

But she did say that she would never marry until she found some one with Ronald's simple chivalry, his loyal, true nature, and without the weakness which had caused and would cause so much suffering..