"I don't like to go to him on such an errand, Grammer," she said, brokenly.

"But I will, to ease your mind." It was with extreme reluctance that Grace cloaked herself next morning for the undertaking.

She was all the more indisposed to the journey by reason of Grammer's allusion to the effect of a pretty face upon Dr.
Fitzpiers; and hence she most illogically did that which, had the doctor never seen her, would have operated to stultify the sole motive of her journey; that is to say, she put on a woollen veil, which hid all her face except an occasional spark of her eyes.
Her own wish that nothing should be known of this strange and grewsome proceeding, no less than Grammer Oliver's own desire, led Grace to take every precaution against being discovered.

She went out by the garden door as the safest way, all the household having occupations at the other side.

The morning looked forbidding enough when she stealthily opened it.