Then came an interruption--Sir Harry Laurence, with a lady,
entered the conservatory.

"This is refreshing," he said to Ronald. "I have been ten
minutes trying to get here, the rooms are so full."

Miss Charteris smiled in replying, wishing Sir Harry had waited
ten minutes longer.

"Promise me," said Ronald, detaining her, as Sir Harry passed on,
"that you will give me one half hour tomorrow."

"I will do so," replied she.

"And you will listen to me, Miss Charteris?" he continued. "You
will hear all I have to say?"

Valentine made no reply; several other people came, some to
admire the alcove filled with ferns which drooped from the wall
by which she was standing, others to breathe the fragrant air.
She could not speak without being overheard; but, with a charming
smile, she took a beautiful lily from her bouquet and held it out
to him. They then went back into the ball room.

"He loves me," thought Valentine; and, as far as her calm, serene
nature was capable of passionate delight, she felt it.

"She will befriend me," thought Ronald; "but why did she give me
this flower?"