'I'm very sorry you have had the trouble.' As she disclaimed thanks, Eldon's tact discovered the way of safety.
Facing her with a quiet openness of look, he said, in a tone of pleasant directness which Adela had often felt to be peculiarly his own-- 'I shall best thank you by admitting that I should have found it very unpleasant to meet Mr.Mutimer.You felt that, and hence your kindness.
At the same time, no doubt, you pity me for my littleness.' 'I think it perfectly natural that such a meeting should be disagreeable.

I believe I understand your feeling.

Indeed, you explained it to me yesterday.' 'I explained it ?' 'In what you said about the works in the valley.' 'True.

Many people would have interpreted me less liberally.' Adela's eyes brightened a little.

But when she raised them, they fell upon something which disturbed her cheerfulness.