There could be no reason but a bad reason for that barefaced attempt to entrap him into a reconciliation.
Every evil motive which it was possible to attribute to a girl of her age, no matter how monstrously improbable it might be, occurred to him when he recalled her words, her look, and her manner at their meeting on the stairs.

His paltry little mind, at other times preoccupied in contemplating himself and his abilities, was now so completely absorbed in imagining every variety of conspiracy against his social and professional position, that he was not even capable of giving his customary lesson to two children.

Before the appointed hour had expired, Miss Minerva remarked that his mind did not appear to be at ease, and suggested that he had better renew the lesson on the next day.

After a futile attempt to assume an appearance of tranquillity--he thanked her and took his leave.
On his way downstairs, he found the door of Carmina's room left half open.
She was absent with Mr.Gallilee.Miss Minerva remained upstairs with the children.

Mrs.Gallilee was engaged in scientific research.