'Miss Hamilton, I hardly expected to find you here with Ursula.

I thought you were all going to the Maberleys'.' 'Etta and Giles have gone,' she replied quietly.

'I ought not to be here, as Lady Betty is alone at Gladwyn; but Miss Garston persuaded me to remain; but it is getting late.

I must be going,' rising as she spoke.
'There is not the slightest need for you to hurry,' observed Max; 'it is not so very late, and I will walk up with you to Gladwyn.' 'Indeed, I hope you will do nothing of the kind,' she said hurriedly.
'Miss Garston, will you please tell him that there is no need, no need at all?
indeed, I would much rather not.' Miss Hamilton had lost all her repose of manner; she looked as nervous and shy as any school-girl when Max announced his intention of escorting her; and yet how could any gentleman have allowed her to go down those dark roads alone?
Perhaps Max thought she was unreasonable, for there was a touch of satire in his voice as he answered her: 'I certainly owe it to my conscience to see you safe home.

What would Hamilton say if I allowed you to go alone ?--Ursula,' turning to me with an odd look, 'it is a fine starlight night; suppose you put on your hat,--a run will do you good,--and relieve Miss Hamilton's mind.' 'Yes, do come,' observed Miss Hamilton, in a relieved voice; but, as she spoke, her lovely eyes seemed appealing to him, and begging him not to be angry with her; but he frowned slightly, and turned aside and took up a book.