Now I have often thought that Miss Hamilton and her sister would have been far happier without Miss Darrell; she has rather a peculiar temper, and I have often fancied that she has misrepresented things.

It is always difficult to understand women, even the best of them,' with a smothered sigh, 'but I confess Miss Darrell is rather a problem to me.' 'I am not surprised to hear you say that,' I returned quickly: 'you are just the sort of man, Max, to be hoodwinked by any designing person.

I am less charitable than you, and women are sharper in these matters.

I have already found out that Miss Darrell makes Miss Hamilton miserable.' 'Gently, gently, Ursula,' in quite a shocked voice; 'there is no need to put things quite so strongly: you are rather hasty, my dear.

Miss Darrell may be a little too managing, and perhaps jealous and exacting; but I think she is very fond of her cousins.' 'Indeed!' rather drily, for I did not agree with Max in the least; he was always ready to believe the best of every one.
'Hamilton, too, is really devoted to his sisters, but they do not understand him.