Miss Hamilton, on her part, seemed to avoid him, and yet I was sure she both respected and liked him.

There was some strange barrier between them that hindered all free communication.

Max was certainly not like himself when Miss Hamilton was present; and on her side she seemed to freeze and become unapproachable the moment he appeared.

But this was not the only thing that perplexed me.

The whole atmosphere of Gladwyn was oppressive.