friendly liking for her.


Chapter VII

The day came for the grand ball, and during breakfast the ladies
discussed the important question of bouquets; from that the
conversation changed to flowers. "There are so many of them,"
said Valentine, "and they are all so beautiful, I am always at a
loss which to choose."

"I should never hesitate a moment," said Ronald, laughingly.
"You will accuse me, perhaps of being sentimental, but I must
give preference to the white lily-bells. Lilies of the valley
are the fairest flowers that grow."

Lady Earle overheard the remark; no one else appeared to notice
it, and she was not much surprised when Valentine entered the
ball room to see white lilies in her fair hair, and a bouquet of
the same flowers, half-shrouded by green leaves, in her hand.

Many eyes turned admiringly upon the calm, stately beauty and her
white flowers. Ronald saw them. He could not help remarking the
exquisite toilet, marred by no obtrusive colors, the pretty lily
wreath and fragrant bouquet. It never occurred to him that
Valentine had chosen those delicate blossoms in compliment to
him. He thought he had never seen a fairer picture than this
magnificent blonde; then she faded from his mind. He looked
round on those fair and noble ladies, thinking that Dora's shy,
sweet face was far lovelier than any there. He looked at the