It is simply one of the possibilities in the case, and, as such, I notice it.

To get on to what practically concerns us; if Miss Silvester is in delicate health it is impossible that she could get, unassisted, to any great distance from Windygates.

She may have taken refuge in one of the cottages in our immediate neighborhood.

Or she may have met with some passing vehicle from one of the farms on its way to the station, and may have asked the person driving to give her a seat in it.

Or she may have walked as far as she can, and may have stopped to rest in some sheltered place, among the lanes to the south of this house." "I'll inquire at the cottages, uncle, while you are gone." "My dear child, there must be a dozen cottages, at least, within a circle of one mile from Windygates! Your inquiries would probably occupy you for the whole afternoon.