The conditions for a perfect misunderstanding could not have been better arranged between two people.
Thatcher was a masculine reasoner, Carmen a feminine feeler,--if I may be pardoned the expression.

Thatcher wanted to get at certain facts, and argue therefrom.

Carmen wanted to get at certain feelings, and then fit the facts to THEM.
"But I am NOT blaming you, Miss Carmen," he said gravely.

"It WAS stupid in me to confront you here with the property claimed by your uncle and occupied by me, but it was a mistake,--no!" he added hastily, "it was not a mistake.

You knew it, and I didn't.