When Sunday morning came there was a letter for Grace from her father.

It arrived at seven o'clock, the usual time at which the toddling postman passed by Hintock; at eight Grace awoke, having slept an hour or two for a wonder, and Mrs.Melbury brought up the letter.
"Can you open it yourself ?" said she.
"Oh yes, yes!" said Grace, with feeble impatience.

She tore the envelope, unfolded the sheet, and read; when a creeping blush tinctured her white neck and cheek.
Her father had exercised a bold discretion.

He informed her that she need have no further concern about Fitzpiers's return; that she would shortly be a free woman; and therefore, if she should desire to wed her old lover--which he trusted was the case, since it was his own deep wish--she would be in a position to do so.

In this Melbury had not written beyond his belief.