Both were conscious of the probability of something having gone seriously wrong between the husband and wife.

Hester had the recollection of the previous night, Phoebe the untasted breakfast of to-day to go upon.
She spoke first.
'A just wish he'd come home to still folks' tongues.

It need niver ha' been known if t' old lady hadn't died this day of all others.
It's such a thing for t' shop t' have one o' t' partners missin', an' no one for t' know what's comed on him.

It niver happened i' Fosters' days, that's a' I know.' 'He'll maybe come back yet,' said Hester.

'It's not so very late.' 'It were market day, and a',' continued Phoebe, 'just as if iverything mun go wrong together; an' a' t' country customers'll go back wi' fine tale i' their mouths, as Measter Hepburn was strayed an' missin' just like a beast o' some kind.' 'Hark! isn't that a step ?' said Hester suddenly, as a footfall sounded in the now quiet street; but it passed the door, and the hope that had arisen on its approach fell as the sound died away.
'He'll noane come to-night,' said Phoebe, who had been as eager a listener as Hester, however.