"It is useless, Ronald," she cried; "I can not help asking why my
bright, beautiful darling should be lying there. It is only two
years since a wedding wreath was made for her."
Nothing would comfort her but a visit to her daughter's grave.
It was a long walk, but she preferred taking it alone. She said
she should feel better after it. They yielded to her wish.
Before she had quitted the house many minutes, the Princess
Borgezi arrived.
There was no restraint in Ronald's greeting. He was heartily
glad to see her--glad to look once more on the lovely Grecian
face that had seemed to him, years ago, the only model for Queen
Guinivere. They talked for a few minutes; then Valentine,
turning to him, said:
"Now let me see Lady Dora. My visit is really to her."
They told her whither she had gone; and Lady Helena whispered
something to her with brought tears to Valentine's eyes.
"Yes," she said; "I will follow her. I will ask her to kiss me
over her daughter's grave."
Some one went with her to point out the way, but Valentine
entered the church yard alone.
Through the thick green foliage she saw the shining of the white
marble cross, and the dark dress of Dora, who knelt by the grave.
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