Neither could she understand the profound but distant consideration with which Mr.Turnbull endeavored to behave to her, treating her like a stranger to whom he must, against his inclination, manifest all possible respect, while he did not invite her even to call at _the villa._ She bought a pair of gloves of the young woman who seemed to occupy her place, paid for them, and left the shop without speaking to any one else.

All the time, George was standing behind the opposite counter, staring at her; but, much to her relief, he showed no other sign of recognition.
Before she went to find Beenie, who was still at Testbridge, in a cottage of her own, she felt she must think over these things, and come, if possible, to some conclusion about them.

She left the town, therefore, and walked homeward.
What did it all mean?
She knew very well they must look down on her ten times more than ever, because of the _menial_ position in which she had placed herself, sinking thereby beyond all pretense to be regarded as their equal.

But, if that was what the man's behavior meant, why was he so studiously--not so much polite as respectful?
That did not use to be Mr.Turnbull's way where he looked down upon one.

And, then, what did the shadow preceding this behavior mean?
Was there not in it something more than annoyance at the sight of her?
It was with an effort he dismissed it! She had never seen that look upon him! Then there was the impression the shop made on her! Was there anything in that?
Somehow it certainly seemed to have a shabby look! Was it possible anything was wrong or going wrong with the concern?
Her father had always spoken with great respect of Mr.Turnbull's business faculties, but she knew he had never troubled himself to, look into the books or know how they stood with the bank.