Is it likely I should refuse the first favour you have ever asked me ?' And, as he thanked me rather gravely, I felt that he was very much in earnest about this.

He went away after this, but I think I had succeeded in cheering him, for he looked more like himself as he bade me good-night; but after he had gone I sat for a long time, reflecting over our talk.
I felt perplexed and a little saddened by what had passed.

Max had not denied that he was unhappy, but he had refused to confide in me.

Was his unhappiness connected in any way with Miss Hamilton?
This question baffled me; it was impossible for me to answer it.
I could not understand his manner to her.

He was perfectly kind and gentle to her, as he was to all women, but he was also reserved and distant; in spite of their long acquaintance, for he had visited at Gladwyn for years, there was no familiarity between them.