I am proud of your choice, Ronald--more proud than words can express." Still Ronald made no reply, and Lady Earle looked up at him quickly.
"You need not fear for Valentine," she said.

"I must not betray any secrets; she likes you, Ronald; I will say no more.

If you ask her to be your wife, I do not think you will ask in vain." "There is some great mistake," said Ronald, his pale lips quivering.
"Miss Charteris has no thought for me." "She has no thought for any one else," rejoined Lady Earle, quickly.
"And I," continued Ronald, "never dreamed of making her my wife.

I do not love her.

I can never marry Valentine Charteris." The smiles died from Lord Earle's face, and his wife dropped the pretty blossoms she was arranging.
"Then why have you paid the girl so much attention ?" asked his father, gravely.