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.