Neither of them appeared at ease: was it possible that they were not friends?
'You are not often to be found in solitude, Miss Hamilton,' observed Max; and it struck me his voice was a little peculiar.

'I do not think I have ever seen you sitting alone in this room before.' 'No,' she answered quickly, and then she went on in rather a hesitating manner: 'Etta and Lady Betty have been shopping in Brighton, and they came back by a late train, and now Etta is shut up with Giles in his study.

Some letters that came by this morning's post had to be answered.' 'Miss Darrell is Hamilton's secretary, is she not ?' 'She writes a good many of his letters.

Giles is rather idle about correspondence, and she helps him with his business and accounts.

Etta is an extremely busy person.' 'Miss Hamilton used to be busy too,' returned Max quietly.