What nonsense you talk, Etta!' observed Mr.Hamilton impatiently.

'You know what a trouble I had to coax Gladys to stay at home; she was rather obstinate about it,--as girls are,--but I asked her as a special favour to myself to remain.' Max's face cleared up surprisingly, and as Miss Hamilton at that moment re-entered the room, he accosted her almost eagerly.
'Miss Hamilton, we have been talking about you in your absence; your brother and I have been agreeing that it is really a great pity that you should have given up all your parish duties; it is a little hard on us all, is it not, Tudor?
Your brother declares occupation will do you good.
Now, I am sure your cousin will not have the slightest objection to give up your old class, and she can take Miss Matthews's, and then I shall have two good workers instead of one.' For an instant Miss Hamilton hesitated; her face relaxed, and she looked at Max a little wistfully; but Miss Darrell interposed in her sprightly way: 'Do as you like, Gladys dear.

Mr.Cunliffe will be too glad of your help, I am sure, as he sees how much you wish it.

We all think you are fretting after your old scholars; home duties are not exciting enough, and even Giles notices how dull you are.

Oh, you shall have my class with pleasure; anything to see you happy, love.