"He only wanted me to be his friend," said Valentine. "Ah, he is selfish, like all the men!" said Lady Charteris. "With whom has he fallen in love, my dear?" "Do not ask me," replied Valentine. "He is in a terrible dilemma. Do not talk to me about it, mamma. I made a foolish mistake, and do not wish to be reminded of it." Lady Charteris detected the suppressed pain in the tone of her child's voice, and instantly formed her plans. "I think of returning tomorrow," she said. "Your father is getting impatient to have us with him. He can not come to Earlescourt himself. You say Mr. Earle is in a terrible dilemma, Valentine. I hope there will be no scandalous expose while we are here. I detest scenes." "Lord Earle is far too proud for anything of that kind," said Valentine. "If there should be any unpleasantness, it will not appear on the surface. Mamma, you will not mention this to me again." Valentine threw off her lace shawl and pretty hat; she then took up the book her mother had laid down. "My walk has tired me," she said; "the sun is very warm." She lay down upon the sofa and turned her face to the window, where the roses came nodding in. "Stay here and read," said lady Charteris, with delicate tact. "I am going to write my letters." Valentine lay still, looking at the summer beauty outside. 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. Chapter VIII Lady Earle's boudoir was always considered one of the prettiest rooms at Earlescourt. Few, but rare, pictures adorned its walls. The long French windows opened on to the prettiest part of the gardens, where a large fountain rippled merrily in the sunshine. Groups of flowers in rare and costly vases perfumed the room. Lord Earle had but drawn a pretty lounging chair to the window, and sat there, looking happier than he had looked for months. Lady Earle went on with her task of arranging some delicate leaves and blossoms ready for sketching. "Ronald," said his father, "I have been waiting here some time. Have you been out?" "I have been in the park with Miss Charteris," replied Ronald. Lord Earle smiled again, evidently well pleased to hear that intelligence. "A pleasant and sensible method of spending your time," he continued; "and, strange to say, it is on that very subject I wish to speak to you. Your attentions to Miss Charteris--"