You seem disappointed at not seeing her." "I am very much disappointed," Valentine answered frankly; "she is a sweet girl." There was a silence after this.

Miss Paget resumed her work with rapid fingers.

She was picking up shining little beads one by one on the point of her needle, and transferring them to the canvas stretched upon an embroidery frame before her.

It was a kind of work exacting extreme care and precision, and the girl's hand never faltered, though a tempest of passionate feeling agitated her as she worked.
"I am very sorry not to see her," Valentine said presently, "for the sight of her is very dear to me.

Why should I try to hide my feelings from you, Diana?
We have endured so much misery together that there must be some bond of union between us.