Mrs.Muir's words had added to his irritation.

The episode with Madge had left a decidedly unpleasant impression.

He felt not only that he had failed to understand her, but that he might be treating her with a neglect which she had a right to resent.

Her appearance and manner during the storm had almost startled him; her abrupt departure had caused sudden and strong compunction; and he had wished that they might come to a better understanding; but thoughts of her had soon given place to anxiety in regard to Miss Wildmere.

It began to seem strange that the girl who had apparently waited for him so long, and who had permitted such unequivocal words and manner on his part that day, should now, before his very eyes, be accepting attentions even more unmistakable from another man.