How was it those two contrived to misunderstand each other so often?
Max looked even more hurt than he had done at Gladwyn.
I was not surprised to find that when I left the room Miss Hamilton followed me, but I was hardly prepared to hear her say in a troubled voice,-- 'Oh, how unfortunate I am! I would not have had this happen for worlds.
Etta will--oh, what am I saying ?--I am afraid Mr.Cunliffe is offended with me because I did not wish him to go home with me--but,' a little proudly and resentfully, 'he is too old a friend to misunderstand me, so he need not have said that.' 'I think Uncle Max is not well to-night,' I replied soothingly.

'I never heard him speak in that tone before; he is always so careful not to hurt people's feelings.' 'Yes, I know,' stifling a sigh; 'it is more my fault than his; he is looking wretchedly ill; and--and I think he is a little offended with me about other things; it is impossible to explain, and so he misjudges me.' 'Why do you not try to make things a little clearer ?' I asked.

'Could you not say a word to him as we walk home?
Uncle Max is so good that I cannot bear him to be vexed about anything, and I know he is disappointed that you will not work in the school.' 'Yes, I know; but you do not understand,' she returned gently.

'I should like to speak to him, if I dared, but I think my courage will fail; it is not so easy as you think.' And then as we went downstairs she took my arm, and I could feel that her hand was very cold.

'I wish he had not asked you to come: it shows he is hurt with me; but all the same I should have asked you myself.' Uncle Max took up his felt hat directly he saw us, and followed us silently into the entry; he did not speak as we went down the little garden together; and as we turned into the road leading to the vicarage it was Miss Hamilton who spoke first.